Against the backdrop of the partition of India, two best friends bound by love resist the forces that try to tear them apart
Written by Guleraana Mir and afshan d’souza-lodhi | Directed by Madelaine MooreI
In 1945, two years before the partition of India, two young women – one Sikh, one Muslim – stand fast against circumstances that would separate them. Santi and Naz are best friends who only think about stealing books, swimming in the lake and spying on the local hottie. But as social unrest spreads and families and communities are torn apart, neither understands how their religions are set to divide them, having lived side-by-side all their lives. Then when Naz is betrothed to a tailor in Rawalpindi and her feelings for Santi become complex and confusing, the girls reach cross-roads with terrible consequence. Santi & Naz contributes to a conversation about postcolonial legacy whilst giving a fresh perspective on female friendship, coming of age and coming out.
Santi & Naz shows the years just before the partition of India which was set in motion by the dissolution of the British Raj and split the country into Hindu and Sikh-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan, displacing over ten million people and leaving over one million dead. It has been described as the greatest humanitarian crisis of modern times, and the effects of the division can still be felt today. The show premiered at VAULT Festival in 2020 and played at the Pleasance at Edinburgh Festival Fringe after winning the Charlie Hartill Fund in 2023.
Writer Guleraana Mir said, “Santi & Naz is full of joyous moments, playfully shining a light on a moment in time that is actually a major part of British history; one that is rarely seen on stage or taught in schools. The play speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like they have no control over what’s happening to them in the world. It’s for friends and lovers, families and history buffs, and for those who know little about the Partition of India, but would like to.”
The Thelmas is a female-led touring company who explore the social, political and cultural stories that matter, in a fresh and surprising way. They are led bydirector Madelaine Moore, whose productions include Santi & Naz, Ladykiller and Algorithms, and writer Guleraana Mir, whose work includes Santi & Naz, Coconut and Doctors (BBC One). Santi & Naz is a collaboration with writer afshan d’souza-lodhi (Hijabi (r)evolutions/It’s not about the Burqa), has music by Tom Penn and has been made in consultation with Eleanor Newbigin, Senior Lecturer in the history of modern South Asia at SOAS, University of London. The Thelmas celebrate their 10th anniversary in August 2024.
Running Time: 70 mins | Suitable for ages 12+ (themes of violence)
Company information
Written by Guleraana Mir and afshan d’souza-lodhi
Story concept by Guleraana Mir and Madelaine Moore
Directed by Madelaine Moore Associate director Vikesh Godhwani
Produced by TheThelmas General manager Courtenay Johnson
Designed by Sascha Gilmour Movement director Rakhee Sharma
Composer and sound design by Tom Penn Lighting design by TBC
Social media
Twitter: @TheThelmas
Instagram @TheThelmas
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheThelmasUK/
TikTok @TheThelmas
#SantiAndNaz
Listings information
22 Oct The Place, Bedford
Bradgate Rd, Bedford MK40 3DE
7.30pm | £16 (£14 concs)
www.theplacebedford.org.uk
25 – 26 Oct Birmingham Hippodrome
Hurst Street, Birmingham B5 4TB
Times and prices TBC
www.birminghamhippodrome.com | 0844 338 5000
29 Oct Norwich Theatre Playhouse
42-58 St Georges St, Norwich, Norfolk NR3 1AB
7.30pm | £15 (£12.50 U26s)
www.norwichtheatre.co.uk | 0160 363 0000
31 Oct Northern Stage, Newcastle
Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear NE1 7RH
7.30pm | £12
www.northernstage.co.uk | 0191 230 5151
2 Nov Octagon Theatre, Bolton
Howell Croft South, Bolton BL1 1SB
2.30pm & 8pm | £14.50
www.octagonbolton.co.uk | 01204 520 661
7 Nov Attenborough Arts Centre, Leicester
University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester LE1 7HA
7pm | Pay What You Can £20 – £5
www.attenborougharts.com | 0116 252 2455
8 Nov Derby Theatre
8pm | £17 (£14 U26s)
www.derbytheatre.co.uk | 01332 593939
Supported by Arts Council England and the Pleasance