Details

1914: India is simmering with discontent against the Raj. English activist Annie Besant arrives: political, charismatic, seeking a new start The English courts have taken her own children from her. India gives her a new faith - Theosophy; a new cause - Indian independence; and a new adopted family - two poor Brahmin boys, Krishnamurti and Nitya. The boys' father wants them back, but Annie is determined to proclaim Krishnamurti the new Messiah. Annie co-founds the Indian Home Rule movement, and is imprisoned by the British for sedition. Gandhi is at first her supporter, and later an opponent, as the boys' adoption is contested as fiercely as India's struggle for freedom. Will Annie's great love affair with India survive? ...Was she mistaken in her beliefs, her adoptions and her causes? A multi-racial cast collaborates to bring to life the incredible story of an amazing woman's relationship with India, and the boy who went on to become one of India's greatest teachers and thinkers. This is a celebration by a British Asian writer of the life of an extraordinary Englishwoman whose fight for Indian independence is the stuff of legend.

Cast/Performers

Vayu Naidu (Storyteller), Ros Stockwell (Annie Besant), Narinder Samra (Krishnamurti), Rohit Gokani (Gandhi), Ruby Sahota (Sidra), Ranjit Krishnamma (Narayaniah)

Creatives/Company

Author: Rukhsana Ahmad
Company: Vayu Naidu Company (in association with Guildford Yvonne Arnaud Theatre)
Director: Chris Banfield
Design: Marsha Roddy