www.iitheater.com or call: (214) 293-7890
Directions: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=100+North+Charles+St.+Lewisville+TX The Indian International Theater was founded in 2012 by Pradeep Merchant with the vision to assemble a diverse, energetic group of people with passion to embark in the imaginative journey of theater. Pradeep Merchant started his acting career 45 years ago after auditioning for hi
s first play at the local University. “In just a few performances the theater taught me so much about myself and my surroundings. There was something about assuming the role of an unknown character and, using my imagination and digging within myself to develop a character, and really affecting an audience that really drove my passion. I attribute a great deal of my abilities as an actor to my wife of over 37 years who I first met after a performance in Bombay. After building a name for myself throughout the Cities of India, I realized that I had another passion: to build a family. I moved to the United States and eventually settled in the DFW area and my life was dedicated to my wife, raising three children and pursuing what so many immigrants hope to achieve: “The American Dream.” However, acting persisted, never leaving my heart and soul. Acting remained my greatest teacher, opening my eyes to the human condition and consequently about whom I was and wanted to be.”
As the Indian population of the Metroplex began to grow at a rapid place and became the third largest market behind New York and Los Angeles, I began to notice that we have a tremendous amount of raw talent locally that was extremely hungry to express themselves creatively as actors, writers, and producers but had no platform to develop their skills and imagination and tell stories of value. Our first play, Rafta.. (translating into “All in Good Time and written by Bill Naughton) is a comedic portrayal of the South Asian family in Garland, Texas who face the growing pains and challenges of a couple realizing that they are not only marrying each other but marrying each other’s families. The union incites a host of characters that contribute and support the marriage while also creating conflict and discord within the marriage. What drew me to the play was the fact that within Indian families the best intentions to support and guide young couples often times backfires with painful but comedic results. As I spoke to people of all nationalities I found that this was not a uniquely Indian situation but a universal challenge as our society continues to become more diverse. Through the medium of humor, Rafta Rafta provokes a lot of thought about the central role a family plays in a marriage and how it can be both a blessing and a curse. When developing the cast I was looking for raw talent and genuine passion. We have a host of professional creative cast members including a University professor, IT professional, a Physician, Undergraduate students, and a professional photographer working in confluence with one another. The common denominator when auditioning for their parts was the level of energy and enthusiasm to play the characters with a level of sincerity. Please join us for our debut performance of Rafta.. at the Lewisville Grand Theater on March 2nd at 6:00pm and allow us to bring laughter and entertainment to you.
