kali solos
We commissioned and created Kali SOLOS, 15 short films written by Kali writers in response to the Covid-19 crisis. The full Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter series of SOLOS were performed and recorded in isolation by Kali actors.
Featured SOLOS
Me and Ed by Atiha Sen Gupta
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. Me and Ed is published in THIRTY our book of monologues and duologues for South Asian actors. THIRTY is available to buy from the Kali Script Shop.
Jakinta
Writer – Bettina Gracias
Performer – Sakuntala Ramanee
Director – Helena Bell
On Hold
Deeply moving and sensitive, On Hold depicts the brutal reality of living with existing mental health issues in 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
Programmed as part of The Space UK’s 2020 online festival of new work, this short film charts the first ten weeks of lockdown and follows an actor from the last round of applause from her theatre audience to the last Thursday clap for care workers after she crosses the frontline to work in a care home.
Last Thursday
Powerful and passionate, tender and funny, Last Thursday catches a glimpse into the life of a key worker.
The Three Ps
The Three Ps is a student’s impassioned speech which tackles race, politics and contemporary living in Britain.
This dynamic monologue reevaluates the way in which 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!
The beloved character from My Big Fat Cowpat Wedding is back again to talk about that eventful country reception and more importantly…his favourite sweet!
Dear Joe by Miriam Babooram.
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
Shelley King delivers a heartfelt, honest performance from the perspective of a family of doctors working on the frontline. The Tribe pays tribute to the sacrifice, dedication and determination 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