CANADIAN PREMIERE OF AWARD WINNING BOLLYWOOD PLAY, ARRANGED MARRIAGE BY CHITRA BANERJEE DIVAKURANI.

Based on Divakaruni’s short story “Clothes”

Adapted for stage by Peggy Shannon and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

TORONTO, ON. – ARRANGED MARRIAGE by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni tells the story of Sumita, a young Calcutta woman who is about to be married to Somesh. He is currently living in Canada and part owner of a small convenience store. They exchange letters and meet for the first time at their wedding in India. Sumita welcomes her new role as a married woman and joins her husband in Canada. She is excited by the fresh sights, sounds, and values of her new country. As in real life, things take an unexpected turn for the happy bride and she must choose between her beloved India and her new life in Canada. At its core, Arranged Marriage is the story of love and marriage and learning that dreams – no matter how strongly we hold them – can be altered at a moment’s notice. Stunning designs, amazing dance sequences and beautiful acting support this large-scale production featuring 32 performers in downtown Toronto.

Arranged Marriage is directed by Peggy Shannon, who also directed the award-winning American premiere of the play. Shannon is excited to bring Arranged Marriage to Toronto, where she serves as the Chair of the Ryerson Theatre School. Dr. Rahul Sapra serves as literary adviser. The production is choreographed by Alyssa Martin, artistic director of Rock Bottom Movement in Toronto. Costume design is by Jennifer Triemstra-Johnston, scenic design is by Pavlo Bosyy, lighting design is by Noah Feaver, and original sound design is by Ned Jacobson with additional sound design by Matthew Duarte. Playing the lead role of Sumita is Indian Pakistani actress Roshni Shukla.

Rounding out the cast are:

Michael Baboolal (Toronto)

Drew Berry (Toronto)

Niyati Bhatt (Toronto)

Mary-Dora Bloch-Hansen (Toronto)

Divyansh Chandel (Brampton)

Serena Dhillon (Toronto)

Gregory Eadie (Toronto)

Clara Eaton (Toronto)

PJ Elisha (Toronto)

Emily Fry (Toronto)

Dayton Hill (Toronto)

R. Iannuzziello (Toronto)

Austin Lichty (Toronto)

Atif Mirza (Mississauga)

Jaclyn Patras (Toronto)

Meher Pavri (Toronto)

Anthony Perpuse (Toronto)

Vitan Pravtchev (Toronto)

Bhanu Rana (Mississauga/Brampton)

Samantha Raymond (Toronto)

Aishani Roy (Toronto)

Amukjot Sandhu (Toronto)

Sierra Chin Sawdy (Toronto)

Bijoy Shah (Toronto)

Jag Shival (Toronto)

Sienna Singh (Toronto)

Pirasha Sritharan (Scarborough)

Lynsey Stephens (Toronto)

Dezjuan Thomas (Toronto)

Liz Thurairajasingham (Brampton)

Marzan Vora (Toronto)

Maulik Vora (Toronto)

Karly Zizek (Toronto)

WHERE: RYERSON THEATRE, 43 GERRARD STREET EAST, TORONTO, ON M5B 2K3

WHEN: MAY 25– 28, 2016 CURTAIN TIMES: Wed-Fri: 8:00 pm; Sat. 2:00 &; 8:00 pm

**Chitra Banergee Divakurani will also be doing a book signing Thursday & Friday evening**

ONLINE TICKETING AT: http://rtsarrangedmarriage.bpt.me/