Nisha Madhan is more than just an actor—she is a powerhouse of creativity who has reshaped the theatrical landscape in New Zealand and beyond. Known for her dynamic roles, bold directorial decisions, and her passion for pushing the boundaries of storytelling, Nisha Madhan has become a symbol of artistic innovation and cultural representation.
A Journey Rooted in Transformation
Born in New Delhi and raised in Qatar, Madhan’s life was an early testament to her adaptability and strength. When she moved to New Zealand as a teenager, it wasn’t just a geographical shift—it was the beginning of her artistic awakening.
Attending Northcote College and later pursuing performing arts at Unitec, Madhan embraced her new environment with passion and commitment. Her thirst for knowledge led her to train at the prestigious École Philippe Gaulier in Paris, a school known for molding performers who thrive on breaking conventions.
Madhan’s multicultural background has greatly influenced her creative voice, giving her a unique perspective that resonates deeply in her performances and productions. She embodies the spirit of an artist who is always evolving, unafraid to explore new dimensions of her craft.
Breaking Ground in Television
Nisha Madhan made her mark as an actor in New Zealand television, but it was her groundbreaking role in the country’s beloved soap opera Shortland Street that placed her firmly in the public eye. Portraying Shanti, Nisha Madhan became the first Indian actress to land a major role in the show’s cast, a significant milestone in an industry often lacking in ethnic representation. Her presence on Shortland Street for three years was not just a win for diversity, but it also solidified her as a talented actress with the ability to captivate audiences.
When her character was tragically written off, the emotional reaction from fans was a testament to the impact she had on viewers. Some fans even claimed that the death of her character might signal the end of the show—a reflection of just how deeply Madhan’s performance resonated with them.
A Force on Stage: Redefining Theatre in New Zealand
Television, however, was only one facet of Nisha Madhan’s creative expression. She has long been a regular fixture in New Zealand’s theatre scene, earning acclaim for her experimental and bold performances. Since her theatre debut in 2002, Madhan has taken on roles that showcase her versatility as an actor, director, and theatre-maker. Her collaborative work with experimental artist Stephen Bain produced daring productions like Beckett Says and What Have You Done to Me?, the latter of which toured internationally to Finland.
Madhan’s willingness to explore unconventional storytelling techniques was on full display in 2012 with Show Pony, a collaboration with Alexa Wilson. This avant-garde piece was self-referential, breaking down traditional theatre norms and challenging both the audience and performers alike. Through projects like these, Nisha Madhan demonstrated her desire to push the boundaries of what theatre could be—a space for genuine exploration, creativity, and social commentary.
Indian Ink Theatre and Global Success
Her talents weren’t confined to solo or experimental performances. Nisha Madhan has also worked with renowned theatre companies like the Indian Ink Theatre Company, where she played three roles in The Elephant Thief. Prior to that, she was part of the ensemble cast of Kiss the Fish, further proving her ability to shine in diverse roles and theatrical forms.
In 2018, Nisha Madhan stepped behind the curtain as the director of Power Ballad, a play that toured New Zealand, Australia, and parts of the United Kingdom. As a director, Madhan’s vision was clear: theatre should be disruptive, impactful, and accessible to all.
Working On My Night Moves: A Triumph in Direction
Nisha Madhan’s directorial work reached new heights with Working On My Night Moves, a show that garnered critical acclaim and multiple awards. The production, which was co-created and directed by Madhan, won the prestigious TOTAL Theatre Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2019. It was a testament to her brilliance as a theatre-maker who understands not only the technicalities of performance but also the emotional and intellectual resonance a production must achieve to leave a lasting impact.
For Nisha Madhan, the success of Working On My Night Moves wasn’t just about winning awards. It was about creating art that spoke to the human condition, about challenging norms, and encouraging the audience to look beyond the surface.
A Visionary Director with a Mission
Madhan’s role as a director extends beyond theatre production. As a Programmer at Auckland’s Basement Theatre, she has been a key figure in shaping the programming that champions marginalized voices. Her vision is to make theatre a platform for important conversations about identity, culture, and social justice.
Nisha Madhan believes in the power of art to process the world in real time. Her programming choices, such as giving a platform to HEtheyShe by non-binary BIPOC poet Cypris Afakasi and Arts Laureate Moe Laga, reflect her commitment to diversity and her belief that artists play a critical role in shaping society.
Awards and Accolades
Nisha Madhan’s journey has been one filled with recognition for her contributions to the arts. Some of her notable awards include:
- Auckland Theatre Awards (2017): Best Live Art (shared with Julia Croft)
- Melbourne Fringe Festival Awards (2017): Discovery Award (shared with Julia Croft)
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe (2019): TOTAL Theatre Award for Working On My Night Moves (Director)
- Auckland Theatre Awards (2020): Excellence Award for Overall Production for Working On My Night Moves (Director)
Each of these accolades is a reflection of Madhan’s tireless dedication to her craft and her vision of theatre as a powerful medium for change.