Tanika Gupta Boeken

Ibsen's classic relocated to the British Raj, Tanika Gupta's bold reimagining of Ibsen's classic play of gender politics through the lens of British colonialism, offers a female perspective, exploring themes of ownership and race.

A politically timely play about the struggle for Indian independence, Lions and Tigers is Tanika Gupta's most personal play yet. Based on the true story of her great uncle and freedom fighter Dinesh Gupta, it charts his political awakening in his fight against the British Raj.

The tragic story centers on Zahid Mubarek, a young British Asian man who faced a brutal attack from his racist cellmate just before his anticipated release from Feltham Young Offenders Institution. His death a week later highlights the severe issues of racism and violence within the prison system, raising critical questions about safety, justice, and societal attitudes towards race. The narrative delves into the circumstances surrounding his life and the systemic failures that led to this heartbreaking outcome.

A witty and exhiliarating romantic comedy by award-winning playwright, Tanika Gupta.

From the moment when, as a little girl, she realizes that her skin is a different colour from that of her beloved mum and dad, to the tracing and finding of her birth parents, her Highland mother and Nigerian father, the journey that Jackie Kay undertakes in Red Dust Road is full of unexpected twists, turns and deep emotions. In a book shining with warmth, humour and compassion, she discovers that inheritance is about much more than genes: that we are shaped by songs as much as by cells, and that our internal landscapes are as important as those through which we move. Taking the reader from Glasgow to Lagos and beyond, Red Dust Road is revelatory, redemptive and courageous, unique in its voice and universal in its reach. It is a heart-stopping story of parents and siblings, friends and strangers, belonging and beliefs, biology and destiny, and love.

The story revolves around teenage sisters Affy and Di, who strive to protect one another while yearning to break free from their abusive family environment. Their journey from dreams of escape to betrayal leads to tragic consequences. Commissioned by Clean Break, a women's theatre company, the narrative highlights the experiences of women in prison, ex-offenders, and those affected by mental health issues, providing a poignant exploration of resilience and the impact of violence.

Set in the twenty-first century, the narrative explores the complexities of female sex tourism, where women seek adventure and empowerment but often encounter harsh realities. With a blend of humor and insight, the author delves into the dynamics of relationships formed through financial exchanges, revealing both the allure and dangers of this modern phenomenon. Through a provocative lens, the book offers a candid examination of desire, power, and the quest for liberation in a globalized world.

Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, 1887. At East London's Tilbury Docks, Rani Das and Abdul Karim step ashore after the long voyage from India. One has to battle a society who deems her a second-class citizen; the other forges an astonishing entanglement with the ageing Queen Victoria who finds herself enchanted by stories of an India over which she rules, but has never seen. Through narrative, music and song, The Empress blends the true story of Queen Victoria's controversial relationship with her Indian servant and 'Munshi' (teacher), Abdul Karim, with the experiences of Rani, a young Indian ayah who confronts the challenges of life in 19th-century London. In doing so, the play uncovers remarkable unknown stories of Victorian Britain and charts the growth of Indian nationalism and the romantic proclivities of one of Britain's most surprising monarchs. -- Back cover

Good for youth theatre. Dynamo of a play-an exuberant tragedy.--Kate Kellaway, The Observer

Exploring the complexities of nationhood for second-generation immigrants, Tanika Gupta's Fragile Land delves into the experiences of young Londoners navigating their identities. The play captures the nuances of cultural heritage and belonging, making it a poignant reflection on the challenges and triumphs faced by this demographic. Suitable for ages 14 and up, it offers a compelling perspective on contemporary issues of identity and community.