kali solos
We commissioned and created the Kali SOLOS series in response to the 2020/21 Covid-19 crisis and lockdown. All the theatres were shut and our upcoming project has been cancelled but we were determined to continue to create and present new writing. We commsioned 15 short monologues from Kali writers which were rehearsed via Zoom and then performed and recorded in isolation by the actors. Many of the SOLOs are included in THIRTY our book of monologues and duologues for South Asian actors. THIRTY is available to buy from the Kali Script Shop.
Me and Ed by Atiha Sen Gupta
Performed by Komal Amin
This gripping monologue explores the significance of the statue of Edward Colston being torn down by Black Lives Matter demonstrators through the eyes of an Indo-Caribbean woman.
Jakinta by Bettina Gracias
Performed by Sakuntala Ramanee
Jakinta is getting herself ready for an online date. She won’t be leaving her home so can she hide this from her adult son?
On Hold by Veronica Dewan
Performed by Aasiya Shah
Deeply moving and sensitive, On Hold depicts the brutal reality of living with mental health issues during lockdown.
Cheek to Cheek
Featuring a British South Asian woman as she prepares to join a Black Lives Matter march, this SOLO gives an honest and unflinching insight into racial hierarchy, privilege and anti-blackness through the lens of interracial relationships and family ties.
Mum-Bai!
Amelia is out of work, out of money and almost out of options. Fortunately, Amelia’s best friends are on hand to help steer her in the right direction…or will they?
Mixing playful humour and quick-witted dialogue, Mum-Bai! captures the anticipation and anxiety! that comes with making life decisions.
The Last Clap by Nessah Muthy
Performed by Mona Goodwin
Programmed in The Space UK’s 2020 online festival of new work, this short film follows an actor through the first ten weeks of lockdown from her last round of audience applause to the last Thursday clap for care workers as she crosses the frontline to work in a care home.
Last Thursday by Rukhsana Ahmad
Performed by Suzanne Ahmet
Powerful and passionate, tender and funny, Last Thursday catches a glimpse into the life of a key worker.
The Three Ps by Kiran Benawra
Performed by Komal Amin
A student’s impassioned speech about race, politics and living in contemporary Britain. It re-evaluates the way history is told and emphasises the importance of giving individuals a platform to speak their truth.
Educating Britain by Alia Bano.
Humorous and poignant, Educating Britain takes a no holds barred look at the realities of modern-day teaching, its challenges, and its restrictions within a system where teachers are expected to do more than teach.
Kisan
Farmer Jhansi Kaur is living on the edge of loss: of her family, her livelihood, and her agricultural ancestry. Her courage is all she has left. Set amidst the roar of the farmers’ protests in India, Kisan examines how defiant resilience can yield community.
Uncle Madhu Returns! by Sayan Kent
Performed by Aaron Virdee
The beloved character from My Big Fat Cowpat Wedding is back to talk about that eventful country reception and most importantly… his favourite sweet!
Dear Joe by Miriam Babooram
Performed by Yasmin Wilde
Part virtual love letter, part confession, Dear Joe offers an entertaining and realistic glimpse into the challenges (and guilty pleasures!) that come with adjusting to family life in lockdown.
The Tribe by Sarah Isaac
Performed by Shelley King
A heartfelt and honest look at Covid-19 from the perspective of a family of doctors working on the frontline. It pays tribute to the sacrifice and dedication of NHS workers whilst focusing on the people behind the profession.
Exposed
In the aftermath of a sudden heartbreak and betrayal, a young woman wrestles with her conscience. Combining bleak humour and raw honesty, Exposed explores how the desire for love and connection often comes at a cost.
international SOLOS
Three deeply thought provoking global monologues leading up to Kali Theatre’s INTERNATIONAL Plays week at Tara Theatre 28 March – 1 April 2023.
Will Ammu Stop Crying by Meera Sitaraman
Butterflies by Srabani Sen
This Thing by Nanda Lal