Fight or die in the underbelly world of illicit rice-dealing.

Basmati Bitch

by Ankita Singh

11 JUL - 5 AUG 2023 — NOW ON

About.

Company

Auckland Theatre Company

Venue

Q Theatre

Duration

1 hour 30 minutes, no interval

Advisory

Contains strong language, haze and flashing lights

5 MORE SHOWS ADDED DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND AND RAVE REVIEWS!

In the neonlit streets of futurist Aotearoa, an ex-MMA fighter discovers you can’t ever really escape the past.

When retired fighter, Shiva, is dragged into the world of illegal MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighting by bored overworked Bisma, the last thing they expect is to be embroiled in the contraband black market.

But that’s exactly what happens when they end up in massive debt to basmati baron Toby, ‘The King’. They have seven days to acquire a truckload of rice, or else...

Set in an alternate reality where ethnic dietary staples, like rice, are banned due to crop disease and closed borders, Basmati Bitch transports us to a heightened reality of contested borders, exploited migrant workers and a crumbling empire.

A self-aware, neo-noir action-crime-comedy full of wacky fourth-wall-breaking characters, slick dance and stage combat.

Nightclubs double as fight clubs, dairies have rice bunkers and Aunties scheme away in their mahjong dens.

Strap in, it’s gonna be a wild ride.

“Ankita Singh is an inventive and clever new voice. Imaginatively staged in-the-round at Q Rangatira, this futuristic Pan-Asian romp of a crime caper promises a glimpse of what might be to come.” – Jonathan Bielski

Single tickets now on sale! Subscribe to the 2023 Season and save.

Co-Produced by Auckland Theatre Company and SquareSums&Co in association with Oriental Maidens.

Please note: Basmati Bitch has a latecomers admittance point 5 mins after the show start time. If there are more Block D latecomers than Front of House are able to seat in the latecomer seats, they will hold the show for up to 5 mins. From that point onwards, those latecomers will be turned away (full lockout). If any Block A, B, C latecomers arrive, they will be admitted at the actual show start +5min latecomer point, only if their seats are reachable without being disruptive.

Book
Tickets.

Tickets.

Best availability For groups - 22-30 July

Single tickets - 11-21 July

"A visually spectacular, fast-paced firecracker of a show."
Theatre Scenes
"Huge in ambition"
Red Raven News
"Abrasive and wickedly funny."
Red Raven News
"Intoxicating spectacle"
Theatre Scenes

SHOW PROGRAMME

Get In The Groove

Listen to the Spotify playlist featuring some of Aotearoa’s best contemporary Asian talent that inspired the sound design of Basmati Bitch.

Listen

SPECIAL EVENTS

Backstage Story

Discover the world behind the curtain with a behind-the-scenes presentation with the director, designers and cast during the rehearsals period of the show.

Mon 26 Jun 6:00pm
Auckland Theatre Company Studios
Free
FIND OUT MORE

Sunday Forum

Stay after the performance to hear from a special guest speaker who delves more deeply into the world and themes of the play. Enrich your theatre-going experience with a thought-provoking discussion and gain insight into the wider context of the work. Come intrigued; leave inspired.

Sun 16 Jul after 4:00pm performance
Q Theatre
Free
FIND OUT MORE

ACCESSIBILITY

Pay What You Wish

If you've never been to the theatre before, or you keep making excuses not try, then join us on Pay What You Wish night. Everyone is welcome and yes, you can literally pay what you wish. Tickets on sale 3 weeks before the performance.

Tue 18 Jul 7:00pm
Q Theatre
FIND OUT MORE

NZSL-Interpreted

by Platform Interpreting NZ
Sat 22 Jul 7:00pm
FIND OUT MORE

Audio-Described & Touch Tour

by Audio Described Aotearoa
Sun 23 Jul 4:00pm
FIND OUT MORE

Sign up to the access newsletter to get special content and news about accessible performances.
SIGN UP

Book with Peace of Mind

Purchase tickets with complete confidence knowing that if you feel unwell, you can exchange your booking for another performance or transfer your tickets as credit to another show.

Find Out More

Ways to Save

Concession prices, 30 & Under, access tickets and more ways to get the best ticket price.

Find Out More

Tips for a Night at the Theatre

Parking, dining options and more tips to help you make the most of your night out.

Find Out More