EdFringe Talk: Santi and Naz

Posted in *Written Interviews, EdFestivals 2023 by

“We’ve learned a lot about our capacity as a company and as theatre makers; what we’re willing and feasibly able to do, and more importantly what we actually want to be doing!”

WHO: Guleraana Mir

WHAT: “Best friends Santi and Naz live in pre-partition India. One Sikh, one Muslim, they have little understanding of how religion will divide them. As the political situation in their country worsens and the threat of separation looms large on the horizon, they decide to take drastic action. Award-winning company The Thelmas explore queer love, identity and loyalty, set against the backdrop of a country soon to be changed forever. Winner of the Pleasance’s Charlie Hartill Fund. Praise for Ladykiller (2018): ‘A smash hit’ ***** (BroadwayBaby.com). ‘Superb’ **** (Scotsman).”

WHERE: Pleasance Courtyard – Pleasance Two (Venue 33) 

WHEN: 13:30 (70 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

The Thelmas made our debut at Edinburgh in 2018 with Ladykiller, which was a bit of a cult hit, so we’re excited to be returning this year! Since then, our Director, Madelaine Moore has returned with two more shows; Algorithms and Fatty Fat Fat in 2019. We’ve found that what’s great about the fringe is that there’s access to so many companies and artists that you’d never get to see in one place, particularly international companies. You really get to step out of your bubble as a punter, and as a producer you have a chance to share your work with audiences you may not otherwise have reached.

What are the big things you’ve learned since 2022 and have you absorbed any of the lessons yet?

The lessons we’ve learned have been since 2020 because Santi & Naz is the first thing we’ve produced since then. We’ve learned a lot about our capacity as a company and as theatre makers; what we’re willing and feasibly able to do, and more importantly what we actually want to be doing! We’ve also learned how much an award or support scheme makes a difference to bringing a show to the fringe; Santi & Naz won the Charlie Hartill Fund this year, without which it just would not have been possible to attend, so a big shout out to Pleasance for that!

Tell us about your show.

Essentially, it’s a queer love letter to best friends everywhere. Set against the backdrop of the partition of India, Santi & Naz charts the story of these two besties, determined to stay together despite the, frankly horrific, decisions made by the men in power, the British, and their families in face of this huge historical event. It’s funny and bittersweet, especially made so as the friends are also navigating their sexuality and feelings for each other at the same time – it’s complicated. It will make you laugh, then cry, then want to go and google ‘partition of India and Pakistan’. It’s written by Guleraana Mir and afshan d’souza lodhi, based on an initial story conceived by Guleraana and director, Madelaine Moore. It’s produced by The Thelmas (run by Guleraana & Maddy), who’ve teamed up with Sarah Jordan Verghese as Associate Producer.

There was a shorter, less developed version of Santi & Naz that was at VAULT 2020 where it won and Origin Award for outstanding new work. Since then we’ve developed the script and production and it’s on a mini-preview tour; Mercury, Colchester; Old Fire Station, Oxford; Broadway, Catford and Macready Theatre, Ruby. We’re looking to tour it and do a full London run in 2024, so venues – hit us up!

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

We think you should see @AwkwardProds Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story, because we are Lady Di stans (especially untrue ones), Blueprints by @LoloUnplugged from @Recreate_agency (they have two more too!). Our fellow Charlie Hartill winners @stroudandnotes’ Public – The Musical, @NovTheatre’s Pitch and Unforgettable Girl from @Created_Monster. For International work we’re excited to see what the brilliant @1OntroerendGoed are bringing. Comedy wise, we’re looking forward to tasting @AlisonSpittle’s (no doubt hilarious) Soup.

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