Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee, 1887. At East London's Tilbury Docks, Rani Das and Abdul Karim step ashore after the long voyage from India. One has to battle a society who deems her a second-class citizen; the other forges an astonishing entanglement with the ageing Queen Victoria who finds herself enchanted by stories of an India over which she rules, but has never seen. Through narrative, music and song, The Empress blends the true story of Queen Victoria's controversial relationship with her Indian servant and 'Munshi' (teacher), Abdul Karim, with the experiences of Rani, a young Indian ayah who confronts the challenges of life in 19th-century London. In doing so, the play uncovers remarkable unknown stories of Victorian Britain and charts the growth of Indian nationalism and the romantic proclivities of one of Britain's most surprising monarchs. -- Back cover
Tanika Gupta
Tanika Gupta is a British playwright and screenwriter known for her prolific work in bringing diverse stories and voices to the stage and screen. She is celebrated for her ability to merge Western and Eastern cultures in her writing, often exploring themes of identity, race, and gender.
Gupta's most notable works include "The Empress," "Lions and Tigers," and "A Doll's House." She is known for her powerful storytelling and her ability to create complex, multidimensional characters that resonate with audiences around the world.
Gupta's impact on the literary genre can be seen in her commitment to representing the stories and experiences of marginalized communities, as well as her innovative use of language and form. Her work has helped to broaden the scope of British theatre and bring attention to the voices that are often overlooked in mainstream media.
One of Gupta's most famous works is "A Doll's House," which reimagines Henrik Ibsen's classic play from a South Asian perspective. This adaptation has been widely praised for its bold reinterpretation of a canonical work and its exploration of themes such as colonialism, patriarchy, and cultural identity.
Overall, Tanika Gupta's contributions to literature have been significant, and her work continues to inspire and challenge audiences to think critically about the world around them.
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