A controversial period in British colonial history is captured in a new play which visits Westside later this month as part of its UK premiere.
Indigo Giant, which visits Birmingham Rep in Centenary Square from Thursday 14th to Saturday 16th March, is a gripping new drama that tells the story of love and revolution.
Born out of a dialogue between British and Bangladeshi theatre makers, the play sheds light on a forgotten moment in British history.
Set in the Bengal region of India under the British Raj, Indigo Giant describes how vast swathes of farm land were given over to the cultivation of the indigo plant in the late 19th century to meet the world’s insatiable desire for the blue dye needed for the textile industry.
Farmers were forced to give over their land to cultivate this crop instead of food, with atrocities committed by the British rulers triggering a revolution that changed Bengal forever.
Against this backdrop, Indigo Giant charts the story of indigo farmer Sadhu Charan who is newly married to Kshetromani. Together they share an idyllic happiness but when a British planter arrives, the young newlyweds’ optimism begins to crumble.
A spokesperson for the production said: “With echoes of the present day’s obsession with instant gratification and fast fashion, where exploitation, cheap labour and environmental harm continue unabated, Indigo Giant is a conversation with the ghosts of the past and our uncertain futures.”
The performances at Birmingham Rep will also be accompanied by a chorus of local community artists.
Indigo Giant is presented by Komola Collective, an award-winning arts company set up in 2013 dedicated to telling stories from women’s perspectives, challenging social taboos and questioning accepted beliefs.
It is written by Ben Musgrave and directed by Gavin Joseph.
For more information about Indigo Giant, including booking tickets, visit: https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/indigo-giant/
Photos credited to Alex Unai.
