Lewis & Rajan Elevate Daily Life into Pure Joy

by Mary Lou Herlihy & Barry David Horwitz

Using an Indian celebration in New Zealand and a shared meal, “Mrs. Krishnan’s Party” transcends daily life. Come with us into a backroom of a convenience store and share the revelations.

“Mrs. Krishnan’s Party” raises ideas that rarely appear in drama. Playwrights Justin Lewis and Jacob Rajan float themes of international acceptance, radical generosity, and spiritual discovery. They raise our spirits and ennoble the human race, rather than competition between races or nations. And they depict the immigrant experience brilliantly.

We are greeted graciously by James (effervescent Justin Rogers) a tall, smiling young man overjoyed to meet us. His colorful jewel-encrusted carapace suggests Indian Prince. In elaborate headdress and pointy shoes, he leads us to our seats. A brilliant welcome into radical hospitality.

Our ebullient host describes the Indian harvest festival of Onam. Dressed as mythical King Mahabali, James demonstrates a King’s FREEDOM—playing DJ, dancing with abandon, and charming us with sensual playfulness.

James confides that his party is a secret from his landlady Mrs. Krishnan (brilliant Kalyani Nagarajan), even though  we are gathered in the back room of her little grocery store. James and Mrs. Krishnan, Kiwi roomer and Indian shop-owner, share a mysterious bond we must figure out.

James offers a party, BUT Mrs. K. resists—she’s all business. The unfolding clash between her life of work and his joyous rebellion makes a dramatic impact.

After Mrs. Krishnan’s hilarious, horrified response to the party, she slowly warms up. Should she let us stay or kick us out? Mrs. Krishnan flounders between stages of life. As Mrs. K., Kalyani Nagarajan displays her struggle with flitting smiles and elegant movements, as she longs for India, her homeland. She misses the workaholic life with her late husband and son. She longs for companionship. She cooks, then dances, with mixed emotions on full display.

Both actors seamlessly mix storytelling, improv, and dance. Full of spontaneous joy, “Mrs. Krishnan’s Party” creates the community and family celebrated by Onam. Audience members volunteer to distribute decorations, locate the rice, and share their lives with the comfy, curious, and chatty pair.

Always in motion, Mrs. Krishnan’s sing song patois becomes understandable through repetition and gesture. She attends to the details of feeding her uninvited guests. James tries to help, making some shocking mistakes. Mostly, he wants to have fun.

Slowly, Mrs. Krishan’s embraces the party. She recounts her lifetime of devoted work work work. As she vacillates between nostalgia and joy, we realize she embodies Western “workaholism.” Mrs. Krishan is the Indian immigrant who worked all her life; while Jame embodies a new joyful freedom. The climax celebrates them both in a dramatic spiritual pairing. Mrs. K. finds a surprising new purpose in her life.

Over the course of the evening, our hosts reveal themselves more fully and relax into new truths. Their costumes change to reflect the changes. We too are transformed in the gentlest of ways.

James and Mrs. Krishnan accept each other. And they invite us into their hearts in a union of East and West, dark and light, work and play. We share their food and their connection—an inspired celebration. Don’t miss their hospitality and joy!

“Mrs. Krishnan’s Party” –produced and created by India Ink Theatre Company (New Zealand), directed by Justin Lewis, co-written by Justin Lewis and Jacob Rajan, costumes by Fiona Nichols, lighting by Jane Hakaraia, scenic design by John Verryt, sound by Lia Kelly, at Marin Theatre, Mill Valley, California.

Info: marintheatre.org – to March 30, 2025.

Cast: Kalyani Nagarajan and Justin Rogers.

Banner photo: James (Justin Rogers) listens to Mrs. Krishnan (Kalyani Nagarajan). Photos: Indian Ink Theatre Company, New Zealand.