Durban Dialogues, Indian Voice by Ashwin Singh

Author:Ashwin Singh [Singh, Ashwin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: multi-racial, diversity, South Africa, prejudice, small business, gambling, anthology, children, ages 14+, drama, play text, playscript
ISBN: 978-1-906582-32-6
Publisher: Aurora Metro Books
Published: 2017-07-03T00:00:00+00:00

ACT 2

Lights come up on Rita and Rani. They are seated in the shop, having tea and chatting. Rita is seated behind the counter and Rani seated opposite her.

RITA

So who said that Rekha mustn’t marry Raj?

RANI

Pat.

RITA

Which Pat? Thin Pat or Fat Pat?

RANI

Fat Pat.

RITA

Right. Fat Pat doesn’t like Raj because he didn’t want to go out with his daughter.

RANI

Yes. Anyway Cookie jumped in and said that–

RITA

Which Cookie? Big Cookie or small Cookie?

RANI (Irritated)

Er, small Cookie. She said that she saw Raj with another girl at Suncoast.

RITA

What a place to take her. Where all the Indians hang out.

RANI

It’s all lies. So Harry said–

RITA

Rich Harry or dirty Harry?

RANI (Very irritated)

Oh! I’m not carrying on with the story. I can hardly finish a sentence with your–

RITA

I’m sorry Rani. But your family is complex. And they have similar nicknames.

RANI

Well, all Indian families are complex Rita. Anyway, the short version is that Rekha has postponed the wedding. She wants some time to think.

RITA

Well that’s good for you. Your family will be focused on your cousin, so they won’t put pressure on you to get married.

RANI

I don’t care about their pressure. I’ll get married when I’m ready.

RITA

The theatre producer is going to ask you very soon.

RANI

Nonsense. It’s early days in our relationship. And now we’ve got the show to put on… look, right now we’re enjoying being best friends.

RITA

I married my best friend. (Pause as both women reflect.) But maybe that was…I was so young… never mind. (Awkward pause.)

RANI (Playfully)

But come on now Rita. It’s been nearly five years since Sanjeev passed away. What about a new man for you? Hey? I see how Mr. Gobind looks at you when he comes in here. He’s coming for another kind of spice.

RITA

Oh, be quiet you. I thought when Nalini emigrated last year that sort of taunting would stop. But I see you’ve taken my baby sister’s place.

RANI

You’re a beautiful woman, Rita.

RITA

Rani, I haven’t met someone with whom I want to share my life story. (Pause) Anyway, I’m interested in your wedding. I’ll be taking care of all the little details.

RANI

Of course.

RITA

And I’ll be sewing your sari blouse.

RANI

Oh, speaking about blouses. I nearly forgot. My friend Shamilla needs a sari blouse for her brother’s wedding. Can you come take her measurements on Saturday afternoon?

RITA

Definitely. Thank you Rani.

RANI

It’s a pleasure, my friend.

RITA

So how’s rehearsals going?

RANI

Tiring, but it’s going very well.

RITA

I read an article about the show in last night’s paper. It’s going to be huge.

RANI

Spectacular.

RITA

The article said that some of the big TV producers from Joburg are coming to see it.

RANI

And a director from India. I met him last week. Oh Rita, if it goes well, then anything is possible.

RITA

I’m so happy for you Rani.

RANI

I guess I should just be grateful that my boyfriend is a big producer.

RITA

You got the part because of your talent Rani.

RANI

But I haven’t danced professionally for three years Rita.

RITA

You’re going to be great.

RANI

You know I spent my young life trying desperately for a breakthrough in theatre, and had to settle for a small catering business. And now at thirty this happens.

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