Stream: Hindu Times

A clash of cultures yet strangely alike in its ambitions. 

This second Sound Stage play is written by Jaimini Jethwa. Her debut play ‘Last Queen of Scotland’ explored a young woman growing up in Dundee who knew little of her Ugandan childhood and the expulsion of Ugandan Asians by Idi Amin. 

Again, the playwright returns to Dundee but this time under the guise of two Hindu Gods: Brahma, the creator of the universe, and Vishnu, the preserver, who are on a mission to restore the universe and along the way rescue the goddess of wealth, beauty, love, and joy, Lakshmi, to return to the mission.  However, Lakshmi is trapped inside a young a street-smart Dundee lassie. They of course become Vince and Barry on a night out from Dunfermline hoping to score. Deciding to break into a Spar convenience store to sneak out some booze they become trapped inside. Thus the fun begins. As they body swap the listener is treated to the banter of the young and the thoughts of the Gods.  

There were sharp fast-moving performances from all three actors who tackled the dialogue with brio. Lakhi, played by Rehanna MacDonald, stands her ground against strong performances by Adam McNamara and Daniel Portman as the sparring gods. 

Sparky direction with subtle music drives the piece along as it reached its finale. I will not give that away. 

There is no denying that the lingo is dense and fun. The listener must concentrate hard not to miss the nuances and the banter. On many trips from St Andrews, I was often asked ‘why do you want to go there?’ Coming from Essex and the East End, working in Tilbury, another neglected port, it felt strangely familiar.  

So, this was an enjoyable and lively return. A melding of old religion and the modern world, through an inventive, down to earth and witty vision.  

This three-day (28-30 May) Sound Stage streamed run provides an opportunity to preview one of the theatrical offerings of this year’s Edinburgh International Festival. 

‘Hindu Times’ can be seen at The Lyceum, 20-21 August. Priority booking open now. General booking from June 11th.