Tea is for every occasion, and in India it comes in an array of flavours with glorious perfumes that waft from the cup. It can both enhance and create a mood; it can wake you up in the morning and send you to sleep at night. Today, it celebrates the reunion of Babli (Taranjit Kaur) and Tejal (Archana Patel).
A delightful, experiential piece of theatre, full of insights that invite emotional attachment
The Chai Queens tells how they parted fifteen years ago: one to fulfil the tradition of arranged marriage, the other to escape the perils of being identified as a lesbian. Under different circumstances, in a future age, the wedding that brings them together might have been theirs — but that was not to be. However, they still have the dolls they played with years ago, and so we become immersed in the rites and ceremonies of an Indian wedding, as our hosts animate their toys and provide the words that make them partners for life.
Ramanjit Kaur skilfully directs with ingenuity and sensitivity, allowing the natural charm of Kaur and Patel to shine through. Babli has successfully opened her sari shop and, although now a businesswoman and mother, she has not lost her sense of fun. Tejal is something of a little devil who still retains a wicked enjoyment of games and mischief. As the tension of seeing each other again fades, they reminisce, and we are drawn into a delightful tale of love, life, frustration, and joy.
The props, their clothes, the sweets they share with us, the ceremonies, and the soundscape from many facets of Indian life provide a strong cultural framework for the dialogue. They were forced to grow up and move on, but instead of being filled with resentment, there is just a trace of melancholy in their voices — and a richer sense of gratitude for the time they shared.
The Chai Queens is a delightful, experiential piece of theatre, full of insights that invite emotional attachment.
