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A simple8 and Royal & Derngate, Northampton co-production in association with Park Theatre

A Passage to India

Adapted by Simon Dormandy

Based on the novel A Passage to India by E.M. Forster
Directed by Sebastian Armesto and Simon Dormandy
Original music by Kuljit Bhamra

 

★★★★ The Times 

★★★★ Evening Standard

★★★★ WhatsOnStage 

 

"One cannot be friends with the English!"

Harsh but clear advice which Aziz chose to ignore. Now he lies in jail charged with sexual assault. 

Forster’s masterpiece poses an urgent question: how can we love one another in a world divided by culture and belief?

Following the acclaimed Don’t Sleep There Are Snakes (Park Theatre), the award-winning simple8 transport us to Imperial India, conjuring up the elephants and caves, courthouses and temples by the simplest and boldest means – with original music played live on stage by legendary composer Kuljit Bhamra.

Full of humour and rich humanity, but with vast philosophical and political scope, A Passage to India is one of the great novels of the Twentieth Century. simple8’s thrilling new adaptation re-imagines it for contemporary Britain. 

 

‘An abundance of ingenuity…vibrant, vigorous, vivid and absorbing’  ★★★★ The Times

'Simon Dormandy’s skilful adaptation for the always impressive ensemble simple8 fillets the book elegantly and offers it up in an uncluttered and effective production.' ★★★★ Evening Standard

‘A tale of sweeping themes, big ideas and dangerous complexities which is all too resonant in our time of global soul-searching...chaotic, colourful vibrancy’ ★★★★ WhatsOnStage

'Intelligent… topical… moving' ★★★★ Libby Purves, Theatre Cat

'An ambitious new staging full of innovation and energy' ★★★★ Ham & High

‘Kuljit Bhamra's wonderful score generates buckets of atmosphere and tension’ ★★★★ WhatsOnStage

'Simple8’s innovative approach shines through' Reviews Hub

'A Passage to India' has been beautifully adapted for the stage by Simon Dormandy, and flawlessly directed by Dormandy & Sebastian Armesto. Helped seamlessly along by Original Music by Kuljit Bhamra.' Pocket Sized Theatre

'Accomplished and entertaining... excellent stagecraft' The Upcoming

'This production is one to celebrate' Once A Week Theatre

‘An accomplished production’ The Stage

‘Brings home the piece’s keenly felt message today of different cultures colliding… an atmospheric pleasure’ The Telegraph

‘Inspires joy and optimism’ British Theatre Guide

'A brilliantly staged piece of theatre' A Small Mind At The Theatre ★★★★

'Exceptionally imaginative, joyful and inspiring' Theatress

'The time is right for A Passage to India… A rare chance for a modern audience to feel that our muddled world is in at least one respect, a better place… a life affirming whoosh' The NQ