JADAR

This adaptation of a classic by Tanika Gupta MBE FRSL is just pure genius. You’ll get to see the familiar Dickens framework, but it comes with a twist.

“All my life they looked down on me, always cursing and abusing. But you, you will be different!”

Bengal, 1899. Rumours that the British Empire plans to partition Bengal spread and uncertainty is never far away. For one Indian boy destiny is found on the banks of the River Padma before the Goddess Lakshmi. Here a promise is made. Born out of terror or kindness the choice Pipli makes that night will shape his life forever.

Tamasha’s Artistic Director, Pooja Ghai, directs Gupta’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations.

Pipli (Esh Alladi) moves from his home in Rajshahi to the bustling streets of Calcutta. With an open heart he navigates unforgiving darkness and unsettling friendships in his search for a better future. For Pipli, dharma – the right way of living – is never far away.

Gupta, Ghai and Alladi previously worked together on Hobson’s Choice at the Royal Exchange, with Ghai having starred in Gupta’s previous adaptation of Great Expectations, so this creative reunion is poetic.

I was invited to an exclusive panel and networking event with the trio, hosted by Samina Ali, at the Royal Exchange, where an almost-entirely South Asian audience learned why and how this English classic is being transported to historic Bengal.

Great Expectations began its run at the Royal Exchange Theatre on September 8 and plays until October 7.