Anusree Roy as Chumki and Byron Abalos as King Kumar. Photo by Aviva Armour-Ostroff.
Some dreams can come true. Some cannot.
In Roy’s newest work, we are plunged into the story of two fearless youths who work as beggars in a Calcutta train station. As they shine shoes, pick pockets and beg, Chumki dreams of the gift of sight, while King Kumar dreams of stardom. A story about hope and friendship in the most dire of circumstances.
Produced by Theatre Passe Muraille
Developed by TPM with Theatre Jones Roy
Written by Anusree Roy
Directed and Dramaturgy by Thomas Morgan-Jones
Performed by Anusree Roy and Byron Abalos
Set & Costume Design by Lindsay-Anne Black
Lighting Design by David DeGrow
Sound Design by Thomas Ryder Payne
Assistant Directed by Mercedes D’Almeida
Dramaturgy by Samantha Serles
“Roy gives a charismatic performance that will wring your heart at the end of the show and Abalos… is a charmer filled with sweet dreams of fame and fortune.” Robert Crew, Toronto Star
“Thomas Morgan Jones directs with a sure hand, while Lindsay Anne Black’s set of corrugated metal walls and high, dirty windows evokes the crowded station. David DeGrow’s lighting magically brings characters and audience onto a moving train, and Thomas Ryder Payne’s textured soundscape adds atmosphere.” Jon Kaplan, Now Magazine
“As in her previous works, Roy’s gift is to draw us so completely into the lives of her characters in so short a time that we understand all too well the fateful decisions they make — and are devastated by the results.” Christopher Hoile, Eye Weekly
