The extraordinary partnership of Jacob Rajan and Justin Lewis is now approaching its third decade.
From humble beginnings, the founding members of Indian Ink have now established themselves as one of New Zealand’s most successful independent theatre companies.
Rajan recalls, “I had a little piece I created at drama school that I wanted to make into a full length play. Justin wanted to direct an original work. We were struggling theatre makers living in different cities. It took a year to make that first show.”
Krishnan’s Dairy went on to break box office records and catapulted Indian Ink onto the national and international stage.
Nineteen years and six productions later, the company now has five employees and a host of long-term collaborators – designers, musicians, actors –to help them realise their artistic vision.
Global ambitions
They have grown from a local drama group to an internationally recognised touring company with global ambitions.
“Our shows have travelled throughout New Zealand as well as Australia, Singapore, Germany, the UK, India and the USA. The stories often have an Indian context but the themes are universal,” explains Lewis.
Rajan was made a NZ Arts Foundation Laureate in 2002 and a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to theatre in 2013.
“It’s a huge honour that I share with Justin, that acknowledges lot of hard work. My relatives in India were thrilled and calling me ‘Sir Jacob!’ I performed in India for the first time last year. It was in my home state, Kerala, and I felt immense pride in finally bringing my work home.”
