Desi Today Magazine
Start your New Year with laughter, by tuning into Why Not Theatre’s
A Brimful of Asha; a hilarious, awkward, and true story of generation and culture clash.
This show is part of SCT’s successful Digital Stage initiative that supports local and Canadian performances that audiences can enjoy from the comfort and safety of their own homes.
Featuring real-life mother and son, Asha, and Ravi Jain, A Brimful of Asha tells the tale of how when Ravi took a trip to India, his parents decided that would be the perfect time to introduce him to potential brides. Ravi is not sold on the idea of getting married—at least not yet—but Asha fears that time is running out. Since its debut nine years ago, A Brimful of Asha has been a runaway success, selling out several runs in its home city of Toronto, Canada, and playing to sold-out crowds across Canada, as well as
internationally including London, South Carolina, and New York.
Ravi Jain says the play came about in a very organic way after he told friends the story of how his parents tried to arrange his marriage. He said because of the way people responded, he thought he should make a show about it. He said, “I told my Mum ‘I’m going to make a show about what a terrible mother you are’ and she said, ‘You’re an idiot, because if I was on stage telling the story, people would see what a terrible son you are and they would side with me.’ So, I said OK, let’s try and do that.”
Jain said working on a play with his Mom was a surprisingly easy and natural process and that they built the show through improvisation. He says it was a lot of fun and that they had a good time creating it together. He also said, “My Mum took to being on stage like a fish to water, which was interesting, because she is a very shy person. I think because she’s telling a true story and it’s her story it was easy for her. My Mom’s magic is to make audiences feel like they are hearing that story for the first time.”
This presentation of the show was recorded at Soulpepper Theatre in Toronto, and the premiere broadcast on January 15 includes an after-show chat with Ravi Jain.
People can buy tickets for the show until January 31. The recording will be streamed via Vimeo and will be available to view until midnight January 31.
Jain says that one of the most surprising things to both he and his mom is how popular the show has been around the world, and how many people get a kick out of the two of them and their story. He is thrilled the show is being presented at Surrey Civic Theatres as the first Digital Stage presentation of 2021.
“I hope people have a good time and have a good laugh watching the show. What has been interesting is that people come up to me after the show and say things like, ‘When I was your age I agreed with you, and now that I’m older I agree with your Mom.’ It really does appeal to so many people and I think that’s because the show feels like family.”
