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A Nice Indian Boy: ‘This production has been a celebration of community .’

A Nice Indian Boy comes out in theatres in April but Vagabond Players are bringing it to the New West stage in February.

The latest show by the Vagabond Players hits the stage just ahead of the theatrical release of a movie based on the same story.

Vagabond Players are presenting A Nice Indian Boy by Madhuri Shekar from Feb. 13 to March 2 at the Bernie Legge Theatre in Queen’s Park.

“Naveen Gavaskar is a nice Indian boy who wants a traditional Hindu marriage to... another nice Indian boy. While his parents are busy trying to wrap their heads around this twist on tradition, his older sister returns home and drops a bombshell of her own,” said a synopsis of the play. “This comedy about love and marriage tackles the joys and chaos of family, whether gay or straight, arranged or not. Get ready for a heartwarming and hilarious ride through the ups and downs of modern relationships and timeless family expectations.”

Vagabond Players are thrilled to be bringing A Nice Indian Boy to the local stage, saying the script is funny, touching, heartfelt and real.

“The major theme of cultural blending is in the lives of everyone that lives in New West and beyond,” said a statement from Vagabond Players. “Each character is a unique blend of East and West; this facilitates great discussion about race, culture and how we all fit in.”

Vagabond noted the story also has a huge focus on family, as we try to support and help our family, we can accidentally push them away.

“The characters learn how to be a stronger family through the story, and this is the core of building a strong community,” said the statement. “This script provides an opportunity to reach out to new communities that can join our own, as well as give a voice to an underrepresented part of the theatre community and New Westminster. Truly a fantastic, fun script.”

A Nice Indian Boy is the third show of the Vagabond Players' 2024-2025 season. A film by the same name, starring Karan Soni and Jonathan Groff, is set to be released in theatres in April.

Tickets for A Nice Indian Boy are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, and $17 for a group rate. They are available online or by calling 604-521-0412.


Bev Pride, who is part of the Vagabond Players’ publicity team and is the costume mistress for A Nice Indian Boy, interviewed the show’s director, CK Kaur, about the production. Here is an edited version of their Q&A:

Where do you live?

I recently moved back to North Delta, B.C., where I grew up, though I have spent many years all over the Lower Mainland. I spent my single digits (childhood) in the vibrant multicultural Sunset neighbourhood of Vancouver, BC. I remember when the Punjabi Market was thriving on Main Street. I also lived on the North Shore for about eight years.

How did you come to direct this piece?

I was approached by the play reading committee, and when I read A Nice Indian Boy, it immediately resonated with me for so many reasons: as a second-generation Canadian with an Indian heritage, as a young woman in my 30s, I really connected with both Naveen and Arundhati. The humour, heart, and exploration of cultural identity spoke to themes I resonate with and am passionate about as both an artist and storyteller. 

Why this story? Why do you feel this story needs to be told?

We need more intersectional stories. That is the reality of the contemporary urban world we live in – especially the Lower Mainland. I grew up seeing and believing in a multicultural society where communities are made of all types of people: immigrants, second-generation, multi-generation, Indigenous, transnational, etc. Love and family are universal stories, and it is imperative for the health of a strong, thriving, connected community to see it through different colours. This story is a bridge between cultures, generations, orientations, and languages. We all deserve to be seen and have our stories celebrated.

How is the experience working with new actors/theatre? Were you surprised by anything as you worked through this process?

I love working with actors. As I am primarily working from an acting background, I feel excited to be at the other end of the director/actor dynamic. This is a fresh experience for me to work with fellow actors in a new capacity. My actors all come from a broad range of experience and training, but the common denominator, the factor that makes all the difference, is their dedication to growing their skillset and exploring their character in service to the story. I am inspired by every rehearsal to see how carefully they cultivate their characters and relationships with each other. It is truly a magical experience. 

What do you want audiences to take away after seeing the play?

I want audiences to feel connected – to themselves, to each other, to their communities, and maybe even to people they never imagined they had anything in common with. 

What are the challenges, and what is working really well?

The biggest challenge has been balancing humour with the deeper emotional beats of the story. What’s working well is the cast’s chemistry – they’ve truly become a family on stage, which enhances the authenticity of the play.

Do you consider yourself an advocate for live theatre? What's the best way to advertise live theatre?

Absolutely. Live theatre creates an unparalleled sense of community and connection. The best way to advertise it is through storytelling – showcasing the impact it has on audiences, whether through social media, local partnerships, or community outreach.

Why should Gen X, Y, and Z see live theatre?

Live theatre offers a break from screens and allows for real, shared experiences. It’s immersive and immediate, reminding us of the power of human connection. Plus, it’s a space to see stories that reflect our diverse world and spark important conversations.

Community is important – how does this experience speak to this?

This production has been a celebration of community from the start. From the diverse cast to the collaborative process, it’s about coming together to tell a story that feels personal and universal. It’s a reminder that community isn’t just where we live –it’s the people we choose to share our lives with.