It may be described as a comedy, but Cut Chilli is just as thought-provoking and emotional. Written by Sri Lankan Tamil Chenturan Aran, the stage production delves into illegal adoptions from Sri Lanka – an issue that’s rarely discussed in Australia’s media landscape, let alone in theatre.
These adoptions were often rationalised by telling children they came from underprivileged families unable to provide basic needs, and is explored in this play through the central character of Jamie.
The audience meets Jamie and is introduced to his past and struggles with his identity. His journey of self-discovery entails him feeling disconnected from his Sri Lankan roots despite being raised by Australian parents. His sense of not truly belonging is palpable throughout the 110-minute duration, and the writer has managed to keep a humorous tone running throughout the play.
Image Source: Amruta Apte
Jamie’s girlfriend plays a pivotal role, offering steadfast support and encouraging him to confront his adoptive parents. Jamie's gratitude towards his adoptive parents, coupled with the belief that he had been 'saved', prevented him from questioning his biological origins. This internal conflict highlights the broader issue of identity loss of adopted children.
From the opening scene, Jamie's struggle for integration is depicted beautifully, and the casting of the rest of the actors must be commended as well. Susie Lindeman excels as Jamie's adoptive mother, portraying the societal pressures of being the 'perfect white mother' and the complex emotions tied to Jamie’s adoption. Her portrayal vividly captures the tension between perceived gratitude and the concealed truths of Jamie's past.
Jamie’s father, a local councilman portrayed by Brendan, embodies the Gen X parent preoccupied with social media and convinced that providing education and security constitutes excellent parenthood. Brendan’s performance reflects a deep understanding of this character’s mindset.
Kelsey’s character stands out as a strong woman, likely reflecting the actress’s own convictions. Noel Hodda, who plays what you could describe as a ‘typical Aussie bloke’, brings a lighter mood as Jamie’s uncle, reducing the emotional stress of the dining scene. Ariyan Sharma, as Jamie, captures the character’s essence with subtle gestures and expressions, making the audience feel the young man's pain.
Chenturan Aran. Image Source: Supplied via Old Fitz Theatre
Besides the commendable performances of the cast, what makes Cut Chilli a captivating and worthwhile see is that it’s clear that it’s written with cultural sensitivity, subtly exposing the Sri Lankan illegal adoption racket that robbed children of their identities. The play’s mood remains light-hearted while delivering hard-hitting truths, making it an engaging experience throughout. Of course, as mentioned at the start, there are comedic elements to this production, and these moments are just as important – balancing the play’s serious underlying message with a lighter tone, akin to a sweet medicine.
Meanehile Soham Apte's set design is both visionary and gripping, while Rita Naidu's costumes effectively convey the essence of each character with a bright and beautiful colour scheme. Plus, Sam Cheng's soothing soundtrack seamlessly blends with the narrative. Ultimately, the high quality production by this talented team offers a promising outlook for diverse indie companies, and for their audiences who are hungry for captivating, impactful storytelling.