Prayas Theatre Celebrates 20 Years of South Asian Storytelling

Auckland’s community theatre group, Prayas, celebrated its 20th anniversary in November 2025, evolving from a grassroots initiative into a significant platform for South Asian narratives in New Zealand. Founded by Amit Ohdedar and Sudeepta Vyas in 2005, the group has spent two decades enriching the local theatre scene and fostering connections between Indian culture and Kiwi audiences.

The milestone was commemorated with a production titled Pitārā: A Box of Memories, which featured highlights from seven previous Prayas productions, including Charandas Chor: The Honest Thief, Kingdom of Cards, and Rudali. “When we started 20 years ago, I never imagined we would reach this point,” said Ohdedar. “It’s a surprise and a fulfilling achievement that reflects the contributions of many along the way.”

Ohdedar’s journey began in 1994 when he moved to New Zealand from Kolkata, driven by the country’s demand for migrants. Initially an engineer, he became involved in the local Bengali Association and later turned his attention to theatre. At that time, the South Asian theatre landscape in New Zealand was sparse, with only Jacob Rajan of the Indian Ink Theatre Company representing the community.

“The understanding of Indian culture was limited back then,” Ohdedar explained. “People mostly associated it with takeaway curry or Bollywood dances. There was a notable lack of community theatre focused on South Asian work.” This is where Prayas stepped in, becoming the first community theatre to present South Asian plays in English.

The group launched its inaugural production, Charandas Chor, based on a play by Habib Tanvir. Over the years, Prayas has staged diverse productions, including Love N’ Stuff (2016), Dhaba on Devon Avenue (2023), and Pitārā (2025). Despite the successes, Ohdedar acknowledged that challenges remain, even after two decades.

“Funding continues to be a significant hurdle,” he noted. “Many of our productions rely on volunteers, and securing their commitment can be difficult. We’ve also had to adapt to changing audience behaviours and the challenges brought on by the pandemic.”

Co-founder Sudeepta Vyas reflected on the anniversary with a mix of pride and realism. “On paper, we have a lot to celebrate,” she said. “Prayas has had major shows and critical acclaim. Yet, the success is often fleeting, replaced by the practical realities of sustaining a community theatre.”

Vyas emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong community focus. “Prayas has created a space where South Asian stories can be told with integrity and craft, while fostering a sense of togetherness. It has become a platform for artists and a nurturing ground for talent.”

Writer and director Ankita Singh highlighted Prayas’ role in supporting South Asian creatives. “They have established a space for us when there literally was none,” she remarked. “Prayas serves as an accessible training ground for those who cannot pursue theatre formally. Theatre should be available to everyone, at all stages of life.”

Singh also noted that Prayas’ use of street theatre has been effective in breaking down barriers, exposing her to South Asian theatre while growing up in Kirikiriroa without a background in the arts. “People like Amit and Sudeepta have inspired me deeply with their passion for storytelling,” she said.

For Ohdedar, the milestone represents not only a celebration of the past but a transition for the future. “We have a new committee in place to run the group. While I will remain involved in an advisory role, I am optimistic about this new leadership taking Prayas into its next phase,” he stated. “I hope they will continue to uphold the community theatre ethos while embracing new opportunities for growth and experimentation.”

As Prayas looks ahead, its commitment to fostering South Asian narratives within the New Zealand cultural landscape remains strong. The group aims to continue its journey of storytelling, ensuring that the voices of the community are heard and celebrated for years to come.