RIFCO ARTS

SIZE OF COMPANY
7–15 on the road

SCALE OF VENUE
Small-, middle- and large-scale

PERMANENT STAFF
Artistic Director
Pravesh Kumar

General Manager
Kate Allen

Marketing and PR Officer
Charlotte Greenaway

ARTISTIC POLICY
As a multicultural theatre company Rifco Arts aims to tour entertaining and thought provoking theatre locally, regionally and nationally; develop exciting educational theatre projects in the local community; explore the synergy between British Asians and their culture and heritage; enrich its work through developing collaborations and partnerships.

REVIEW EXTRACTS
’If you're after a fix of that rom-com feelgood factor, There's Something About Simmy could be just the show… Kumar reaches a quiet place that has heart and depth.’ The Evening Standard

‘This show has been a big hit around the country – a reflection of audiences' hunger to see plays that reflect the British-Asian experience.’ The Guardian (The Deranged Marriage)

‘This heartbreaking comedy poses the same question for us all, further proof that British Indian theatre, with its readiness to tour, has become an enriching staple of live performance reaching out to all sections of the community.’ The Stage (Meri Christmas)

CURRENT PRODUCTIONS
The Deranged Marriage A celebration of the arranged marriage system in all its sari swirling, heart-wrenching glory. Sharing an honest and thought provoking view of the conflicts within a modern British Asian family. (110 mins, with interval, 11 on stage, 15 on the road.)

Meri Christmas An entertaining and thought provoking exploration of the shifting trends which have led to more and more Asian elders being removed from their families to live in homes for the elderly. (95 mins with interval, 4 on stage, 7 on the road.)

There's Something About Simmy A story that explores family, friendship, and fate – flavoured with a hint of Bollywood. The production is primarily in English, and occasional Punjabi/Urdu has English sub-titles. (120 mins, with interval, 10 on stage, 15 on the road.)

WRAP-AROUND
Various workshops covering culturally-specific work, devising, script writing, design, and Bollywood dance for all ages and abilities. Post-performance discussions for audience members and professionals.

TOURING AVAILABILITY
The Deranged Marriage from July–October 2008
Meri Christmas from October–December 2008
There’s Something About Simmy from 2009