London. 1888. An 18-year old Gandhi has just arrived from India to study Law. Miles from home, his wife and his family, we see him navigate a time of uncertainty, growth and opportunity. As he builds a new life, he explores the joys of money, food and women whilst facing the struggles of class and imperialism.
Gupta’s sharp and profound play is an insight into the teenage years of a man we know will grow up to be one of the most significant figures in history. “Gandhi was a very different person (during his time in the UK) – he was shy and just like any other teenager making his way through a foreign environment” Gupta told Eastern Eye.
“Even if it is set in 1888, it’s still a commentary on where we are now. How do you treat overseas students? What do they learn from coming here? And what do we learn from them? What does it say about this country?” – Tanika Gupta (Financial Times.)
‘Out West is the production that reopens our doors after the enforced closure due to the pandemic. The three writers, Tanika Gupta, Simon Stephens and Roy Williams, are some of the most exciting voices in British theatre and I am so proud that they are sharing our stage and bringing the Lyric back to life. All three plays speak to our current moment; questions of race, geography, identity, belonging and hope run through all three. Theatre has the power to move, to challenge and to entertain. It is also the medium through which, for centuries, human beings have attempted to understand each other and the world around us. I cannot think of a more necessary moment for theatre than now. I look forward, with co-director Diane Page, to sharing Out West with you. We are back. We are here.’ – Rachel O’Riordan (Whats On Stage.)
Out West is a triple bill of three one-person plays performed to a socially distanced audience at the Lyric Hammersmith from the 18th June – 24th July 2021. Book tickets here.
The plays are also available for online streaming – find out more here
“Gupta teases out the nuances of an outsider trying to learn the ways of the Brits” – The Telegraph ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“With three playwrights and three actors at the top of their game, Out West is a roaring success” – The Reviews Hub ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“A triumphant triptych of plays for today” – The Independent ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lacing the text with talk of temptation, Gupta sows the seeds for the birth of Gandhi’s political conscience – WhatsOnStage ⭐⭐⭐⭐
“There are endearing moments that capture Gandhi’s loneliness, with political and spiritual awakenings” – The Guardian ⭐⭐⭐
