BALLOON DOG
- writeonarts
- May 22
- 2 min read
Updated: May 24
Producer: Indian Ink Theatre Company
Starring: Jacob Rajan, Jehangir Homavazir, Alisha Jacob and David Ward
21-22 May 2026, Clarence St Theatre
At last year’s Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora Ki Kirikiriroa, Indian Ink Theatre Company retold the fairy tale Punchkin with their production Guru of Chai. This year’s work Balloon Dog is a reimagining of the short story Kabuliwala written by Nobel laurate Rabindranath Tagore in 1892.
Ravi, his daughter Sara, and granddaughter Mini live a middleclass life in the suburbs. A chance meeting between Mini and passerby Kabir establishes the conflict amongst the characters. Mini and Kabir form a friendship that solo mother Sara disapproves of. Ravi contends with his disappointment in Sara’s life choices and struggles with Kabir’s differences.
Indian Ink star Jacob Rajan effortlessly delivered another powerhouse performance. Rajan has previously demonstrated his impeccable comedic timing and physicality but with the role of Ravi highlighted his ability to immerse himself in a more intense and dramatic character.
The role of Sara marked Alisha Jacob’s professional debut. Jacob gave a fully committed performance juggling the disapproval of her father, the determination to build a future, and concern about the wellbeing of Mini in the care of Ravi and Kabir. Jacob’s passionate and believable portrayal of Sara was heartfelt and genuine.
As Kabir, Jehangir Homavazir captured the nuances of an outsider trying to make his way in a new environment. Homavazir was assured and engaging, particularly in moments of vulnerability.
Colourful geometric shapes were printed onto large panels forming the backdrop, with covered risers sitting on a large mat anchoring the performance area. The largest semi-sheer panel doubled as a surface for shadow play silhouettes (the tiger was a triumph!) A delightful puppet of Mini was expertly manipulated by all three actors.
Throughout, David Ward provided incidental music and sound effects, occasionally breaking the fourth wall much to the amusement of the audience.
At this time of year, it is very risky to have an unmic’d performance. Lines were lost due to coughing by audience members who should have stayed home. Every so often the sound effects overpowered the dialogue. Mic’ing the actors would promptly resolve the show’s singular issue.
Indian Ink dusted off a 134-year-old story and repackaged it splendidly for today’s audience. The essence of Tagore’s tale of class and challenges remained intact while cleverly acknowledging current concerns. The change of location from Kolkata to Tāmaki Makaurau and change of occupation from fruit-seller to an exploited migrant worker was ingenious.
Hamilton’s season of Balloon Dog was the second stop of an international tour which includes the Sydney Opera House! Ticketing and tour details may be found on the link below.
Photos: Indian Ink Theatre Company
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