Sandokani Khol Narayana: Sahib Singh’s Play on International Students Comes to White Rock

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The influx of international students from Punjab in recent years has sparked many discussions within the Indo-Canadian community. While the challenges faced by these students are frequently highlighted, solutions are seldom discussed. Sahib Singh, a renowned Punjabi theatre artist who previously brought attention to the caste system with his acclaimed play Lacchu Kabadiareturns with another thought-provoking production focusing on international students from Punjab.

Written and directed by Singh, “Sandokani Khol Narayana” narrates three distinct stories along with a central narrative about a retired school teacher passionate about education. This teacher opens a box filled with memories of his students. The main story revolves around an international student who goes to Canada for further studies.

In an interview with the LINK, Singh discussed his inspiration for this play. He said, “Over the past few years I have visited many countries. International students, their challenges and struggles were always part of my discussions with the local community. I feel there is lesser clarity about these students and the background they come from. This play seeks to understand the background of these students, their educational and cultural upbringing, and the work culture. When these students land in a completely different culture, an imbalance is inevitable.”

Singh said that that the play is about the youth of Punjab facing numerous challenges. “I aimed to address these issues through three different stories. The main story is about the international student in Canada. The other stories involve students in Punjab, one grappling with communal strife and another dealing with the struggles of being a Dalit.”

Singh says that not only international students but long-time residents of Canada should also come and watch the play. “Those who are settled here understand Punjab’s culture and struggles. Sometimes, they feel that current students have it easy, but these students face their own set of challenges, such as inflation and employment difficulties. Previously, one could work hard and dream of owning a house in Canada, but that is no longer the case.”

Singh’s plays are known to raise issues and concerns of today. Naam Likhari Nanaka, Samey di Daang, and Gurpurab are just a few of the creations of Singh. He thinks that theatre is not about raising slogans or giving a message through activism, it is a place where an artist has a platform to stir the emotions of the audience and question the status quo of established beliefs.

When asked about the message of the play, Singh said that his intention is not to guide anyone in a specific direction. “The underlying theme is about the students—one international and two in Punjab. The play ends on a note of optimism and hope. It emphasizes that, despite the crisis, we can overcome it by introspecting and analyzing the situation, rather than playing the blame game.”

The Chetna Association of Canada and Dynamic Creative Horizons are presenting this solo play. Two performances are scheduled for July 20 and July 21 at the White Rock Player’s Club. Entry is free, but passes are required.

For passes and sponsorship call Surjeet Bains 778-388-9046 or Inderjeet Dhillon: 604-282-7777.