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The Father and the Assassin

by Anupama Chandrasekhar

A photo-montage of a figure of a young man standing, arms by his side, hands balled into fists, and behind him a large profile of Gandhi, with both heads looking off to the right.

Booking and details

This production played in the Olivier Theatre from 8 September to 14 October 2023.

Mahatma Gandhi: lawyer, champion of non-violence, beloved leader.

Nathuram Godse: journalist, nationalist – and the man who murdered Gandhi.

This gripping play traces Godse’s life over 30 years during India’s fight for independence: from a devout follower of Gandhi, through to his radicalisation and their tragic final encounter in Delhi in 1948.

Director Indhu Rubasingham (Kerry Jackson, The Great Wave) reunites with Anupama Chandrasekhar, one of India’s most exciting playwrights, for this essential exploration of oppression and extremism, featuring Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) as Nathuram Godse with Paul Bazely (Cruella) as Mahatma Gandhi.

Performed 8 September — 14 October 2023 in the Olivier Theatre.

Reviews

Video

A photo potrait of the head and shoulders of a man, staring straight to camera, expressionless, wearing a dark vest.
Play Video

‘It’s about time you know who I am.’

Indhu Rubasingham, Anupama Chandrasekhar and Rajha Shakiry sitiing on chairs on a temporary stage, talking to each other.
Play Video

Could India have been different had Gandhi lived?

Two men face the camera signing in American Sign Language.
Play Video

In rehearsals

Gallery

Suitability

Please note: This production features gunshots, descriptions of extreme violence and themes that some may find distressing, including religious discrimination.

Supporters

This play is a recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Plays Award.

This production is supported by the Red Butterfly Foundation.

Cast

Production team

Writer

Anupama Chandrasekhar

Anupama Chandrasekhar

Director

Indhu Rubasingham

Indhu Rubasingham

Set and Costume Designer

Rajha Shakiry

Rajha Shakiry

Lighting Designer

Oliver Fenwick

Oliver Fenwick

Movement Director

Lucy Cullingford

Lucy Cullingford

Composer

Siddhartha Khosla

Siddhartha Khosla

Additional Music

David Shrubsole

David Shrubsole

Sound Designer

Alexander Caplen

Alexander Caplen

Fight Director

Kate Waters

Kate Waters

Casting Director

Alastair Coomer CDG

Alastair Coomer CDG

Dialect Coach

Shereen Ibrahim

Shereen Ibrahim

Company Voice Work

Jeannette Nelson

Jeannette Nelson

Associate Set and Costume Designer

Khadija Raza

Khadija Raza

Staff Director

John Young

John Young

Dramaturg

Emily McLaughlin

Emily McLaughlin

 

 

Photography by Simon Sorted. Background artwork photography by Prarthna Singh