Monkey

Avalanche Theatre Next Draft Series

A young poet, Kai, has a monkey on his back. He thinks completing his late mother’s final rites might lift that weight, and figures returning to India for his father’s remarriage to a nice man named Mike is a meaningful and proper time to do so. But things get complicated when his mom’s ashes get lost in transit. A funny and heartfelt journey to India which explores how words aren’t enough when it comes to family and heritage.

Cast:

KAI – Bannet Chawla

MONKEY – Maya Kumar

VEER – Jorge Salas

MIKE – Aden Haq

PUNDIT / JOSH – Ronnie Derrick Lyall

PASSENGER / AUNT – Jhil Patel

AIRPORT FRONT DESK – Sridaph Puligilla

Playwright:

Shail Modi

Director:

Mantra Radhakrishnan

Dramaturg:

Karina Patel

Stage Directions:

Presksha Desai

—

The Next Draft Series is Avalanche Theatre’s ongoing new play incubator.

Over the course of 3-4 months, Avalanche develops new work by emerging Chicago playwrights through readings, feedback sessions, and mentorship, culminating in a workshop production of the plays at the end of the process. Chicago theatre leaders such as artistic directors, literary managers, and creative producers are invited to the workshop productions in order to provide playwrights access to companies who may be interested in producing the plays. The purpose of the Next Draft Series is to fully develop the most exciting and challenging new plays being written in Chicago today, to foster a community that is supportive of writers, and to provide opportunities for these plays to go on to receive full productions.