1) What is your theatre production all about?
Insomnia is about people in big cities. All big cities. Their disconnection from the larger realities around them - and from each other.


2) How did you come up with the idea for that story?
The story came from a search for contemporary material that connected with the environment and times I lived in. Urban, upper middle class India. Material that reflected all its complexities and contradictions. I felt strongly about doing work that was Indian but also contemporary and forward looking, but felt that most of this was hampered by notions of social responsibility, issues, the preservation of culture etc. So it was never real enough.


3) Tell us a bit about your background
I have spent 18 years in theatre - as an actor, director and writer. In that order.

I earned a living by working in the media - 9 years in advertising (last I was Associate Creative Director, Publicis India). I also spent a couple of years in TV as a scriptwriter plus developing concepts and proposals, mainly for drama. I am also trained to direct for TV. I write freelance articles for newspapers and magazines.

I am trained for film (Advanced Screenwriting at the School of Visual Arts, NY), 16 mm film making at the London Film Academy, cinema classes at NYU's film school in exchange for running the projector) and am working on a screenplay, which I want to direct. Am looking for a producer.) I studied acting and directing at the Lee Strasberg Institute and the Herbert Berghof Studio, NY. I have just completed an MA in directing here - this includes theatre and TV.


4) So why did you come to the UK?
To try and move into working in theatre and film full time. To direct and write the kind of work I want to and earn a living from it.


5) How did you get funded for the theatre production?
The Arts Council England has supported the project and I am very grateful for that. The Oval House has been extremely supportive, providing a fantastic environment, infrastructure and support system. It has been a pleasure working there. The Nehru centre hosted my first show and gave us free rehearsal space at the time. The play has grown from there. The Central School of Speech and Drama (where I had done a directing attachment) was also very kind and allowed us to rehearse there when I put together my initial trial show.


6) What are you hoping to do after this?
The first thing I need to get is paid work! Really soon. I am looking to the media for this. I have spent many years of my life building my media career and would want to move to the next stage, in a more challenging and stimulating environment. Advertising, TV, film.

I do write freelance features for magazines, but that doesn't pay the bills. If someone will pay me on a monthly basis, that can work.

I want to direct more. The theatre, of course. But also for film. (I have a project that I am 100% convinced about and am looking for a producer who will be as excited about it.) And I will write, because I have to.