"House of India" Play Reading – A Captivating Exploration of Family, Identity, and Home

Oct 25th, 2024, Austin, Tx ~ On October 19th, Leela, in partnership with City Theatre Austin, presented a thought-provoking reading of House of India, a poignant script by San Diego-based playwright and professor Deepak Kumar. This collaboration brought together Austin's vibrant theater community, creating an evening of memorable performances and layered storytelling that left a lasting impression on all in attendance.

The reading unfolds the life of Ananya, who clings to her late husband’s dream by running "House of India," a traditional South Indian restaurant in an Asian strip mall in Cleveland. Ananya faces immense pressure to adapt – whether from her children, her financial struggles, or the ambitious Jacob, a Thai-American cook and entrepreneur who dreams of transforming her restaurant into a fast-casual Indo-fusion franchise. The tension reaches a tipping point when the restaurant is vandalized, forcing Ananya to choose between preserving her husband's vision or compromising her values to survive. Kumar’s writing poignantly explores the complexities of immigrant identity, generational conflict, and the shifting definition of the “American Dream.”

 This reading was brought to life by a dedicated cast, including Kala Malini Ranganathan, who made a powerful theatrical debut as Ananya, deftly portraying the character’s resilience and vulnerability. G-Su Paek as Jacob skillfully balanced his character’s ambition with a deep-seated respect for Ananya’s heritage, while Divya Goruganthu and Gaurav Rao gave heartfelt performances as Vaidehi and Vikram, embodying the push-and-pull dynamics of first and second-generation immigrant families. Narrated by J. Kevin Smith and directed by Sharanya Rao, the reading beautifully captured the play's spirit and cultural depth, with Rao’s nuanced direction emphasizing the complexities of cultural preservation versus adaptation. 

Audience members were especially moved by the way House of India depicts the challenges of assimilation while honoring one's heritage. Comments like, “A beautifully crafted, heartfelt, and witty exploration of home, family, and legacy” resonated with many, echoing the impact of Kumar’s work in evoking emotions of nostalgia, hope, and reflection. This reading demonstrated the potential of House of India as it progresses towards its full production in San Diego next year.

With an incredibly talented cast and the insightful creative team of Leela and City Theatre Austin, House of India is well-positioned to engage audiences everywhere with its authentic portrayal of immigrant life, making it a highly anticipated production to watch.