Jacob Rajan MNZM is a name that resonates deeply within New Zealand’s theatre landscape. A Malaysian-born New Zealand playwright and actor, Rajan has shaped the artistic world through his work on stage, blending culture, comedy, and heart.
His highly successful plays, including the critically acclaimed trilogy Krishnan’s Dairy, The Candlestick Maker, and The Pickle King, have earned international recognition and multiple awards. Rajan’s journey from an aspiring microbiologist to one of New Zealand’s most respected artists is not only inspirational but a testament to the power of following one’s passion.
Born in Malaysia to Indian parents, Rajan migrated to New Zealand at the age of four, carrying with him the cultural richness of his Indian heritage. He later embraced this heritage in his creative pursuits, weaving it into his storytelling. Initially, Rajan pursued science at the University of Otago, earning a degree in microbiology. However, his heart was drawn to the performing arts, a path that would lead him to redefine the New Zealand theatre scene.
The Birth of a Playwright: From Science to Stage
Jacob Rajan’s transition into theatre was as unexpected as it was life-changing. While studying microbiology, Rajan found himself increasingly drawn to student plays and films, eventually abandoning his lectures to immerse himself in creative exploration. After graduating with a less-than-ideal grade, he took up piano and painting while also obtaining a primary school teaching diploma to ease his parents’ concerns about his career path. However, it was his passion for acting that would change his life.
In 1994, Rajan graduated from Toi Whakaari, New Zealand’s leading drama school, becoming the first Indian graduate of the program. His time there led to the creation of Krishnan’s Dairy, a play born out of a final-year monologue assignment. This one-man show merged the everyday life of an Indian shopkeeper with the grandeur of the Taj Mahal. It was the beginning of a journey that would take Rajan’s career to incredible heights.
Indian Ink Theatre Company: A New Vision for New Zealand Theatre
In 1996, Jacob Rajan co-founded Indian Ink Theatre Company with director Justin Lewis. Together, they created a string of productions that combined elements of Indian culture with universal themes, transcending cultural boundaries. Indian Ink became known for its powerful use of masks, puppetry, and storytelling, making its productions visually stunning and emotionally engaging.
The first major success came with Krishnan’s Dairy, which premiered in 1997. The play’s exploration of love, sacrifice, and cultural identity resonated with audiences across New Zealand, Australia, and even Singapore. It went on to win a Fringe First Award at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival, propelling Rajan and Indian Ink into the international spotlight.
Following the success of Krishnan’s Dairy, Rajan and Lewis continued their collaboration with plays such as The Candlestick Maker and The Pickle King, both of which received widespread acclaim. The Pickle King also garnered a Fringe First Award, cementing Indian Ink’s reputation for producing world-class theatre.
The Power of Cultural Storytelling
What makes Jacob Rajan’s work so impactful is his ability to tell deeply personal stories while maintaining universal appeal. His plays often explore themes of migration, identity, and the experience of living between cultures. While Indian elements are woven into the fabric of his stories, Rajan has always maintained that his goal is not to create “Indian plays.” Rather, he tells stories that move him, stories that reflect his own experiences and the human condition.
For Jacob Rajan, theatre is a way to bridge cultural divides and foster empathy. His characters are complex, often navigating the tensions between tradition and modernity, duty and desire. Through humor and heart, Rajan’s plays invite audiences to reflect on their own identities and experiences, no matter their background.
A Legacy of Innovation and Recognition
Rajan’s contribution to New Zealand’s theatre scene extends beyond his award-winning plays. His use of masks, a technique he honed through workshops, has become a signature element in his work. Masks allow Rajan to inhabit multiple characters in a single production, creating a dynamic and immersive theatrical experience. This innovative approach has set Indian Ink apart from other theatre companies and earned Jacob Rajan numerous accolades, including the prestigious Laureate Art Award in 2002.
In addition to his work on stage, Jacob Rajan has appeared in various television roles, including the beloved New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street, where he played Dr. Ashwin Bhashar. His television career continued with roles in shows like Outrageous Fortune and The Insiders Guide to Love. On-screen, Jacob Rajan often portrayed characters that defied stereotypes, reflecting his desire to break away from traditional depictions of Asian migrants in media.
In 2013, Jacob Rajan was named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his services to theatre. This honor was a recognition of the profound impact he has had on New Zealand’s cultural landscape and his role in bringing stories of the Indian diaspora to a wider audience.
Also Read:Shailesh Prajapati: A Journey from India to New Zealand’s Film Industry