Charandas Chor: The Honest Thief
Written by Habib Tanvir
Directed by Sreenath Nair
Never eat from a golden plate. Never sit on a throne. Never tell a lie.
A light-hearted comedy based on a traditional Indian folk tale. Charandas Chor is the story of an honest thief. In return for a safe haven from the police, Charandas makes a set of bizarre promises to a holy man. He agrees eagerly, unaware that a string of unlikely events will come to pass, testing his integrity and endangering his life.
Charandas exposes corruption and hypocrisy in the political and social elite, proving that despite being a thief, he is a more honourable man than those around him.
This is a joyful, engaging and energetic play with a universal appeal. Striking a balance between cultures, this production draws influences from Indian costume and theatrical style, whilst integrating traditional folk music from Lincolnshire, with a cast of European performers. It is a truly multicultural experience.
We are collaborating with the Lincoln Folk Dance Club (http://www.angelfire.com/folk/lincolnfolkclub/guests.html) to integrate the local folk dance traditions within the play. Andrew Long from the club taught Lincolnshire Poachers to the actors. Frances Kelly, a popular folk singer from Lincolnshire taught folk singing too (http://www.franksings.co.uk/). Indian Dandia dance was taught by the local Dandia dancers Maneesha and Jagruthi.
For details of performance tour and booking please visit https://lpac.co.uk/event/charandas-chor/