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Jacob Rajan talks to Renee Liang about quirky tales, touring and masks as Indian Ink‘s hotly anticipated new work, Kiss the Fish, hits Auckland.

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Based on a true story, Kiss the Fish takes inspiration from Jacob Rajan and Justin Lewis’ international travels.  Experiences of South-east Asia, tropical paradises, tourism developments in India and Rabindranath Tagore’s writings collide to create a work that is, in what is now a trademark Indian Ink style, an intriguing mix of pathos and humour.

Renee Liang interviewed writer and actor Jacob Rajan about his new work.

How did you come across the true story which became Kiss the Fish?

Justin had been to Tiamen Island in Malaysia and came back with this intriguing story of a fully constructed, 5 star resort entirely occupied by monkeys.

How did the story then develop as it was scripted?

The story has gone through many, many incarnations but the challenge we gave ourselves was to use a host of wonderful characters from the Balinese comic mask tradition of Topeng. A strong world emerged – a village populated by delightfully flawed people all pursuing their dreams and delusions like we all do.

When I look at your body of work - you've tackled science, identity, superstition and morality, among other topics - I see a fascination with both absurdity and truth. What draws you towards certain stories to tell on stage?

Finding that idea is mysterious. There’s always a spark of some kind. That might be an image, a fairy story, a person you meet, a poem. I guess at some point we’re looking for an argument to appear since conflict is the heart of drama. The best arguments are where both sides are right. Then you find characters that can take sides in that argument and put them in world that you’re curious about. The stories that attract us are beautiful, funny, sad and true.

Why do you use Balinese mask to tell your stories?

We’ve been going to Bali for the last couple of years and become fascinated with the Balinese comic mask tradition of Topeng. The characters seem very akin to the Italian tradition of commedia dell’arte that we’ve used in previous shows but with their own unique flavor. We commissioned a master mask carver, in Bali, to make us a host of these characters and this latest production is our attempt at reinventing this form for a contemporary audience.

How do you juggle performing, touring and writing?

It’s a huge challenge keeping all those balls in the air. Luckily Justin Lewis, my director and producer, has an extremely savvy business head as well a brilliant artistic eye, which makes my job as a co-writer and performer a lot easier.

What's it like to work with a larger cast this time?
 
Brilliant. They’ve an incredibly talented, funny and enthusiastic bunch. Rehearsals have been a joy. Beats talking to myself all day!

Tell me about your longstanding collaboration with musician David Ward.

David’s association with Indian Ink is approaching the ten year mark. You’d think he’d be due for a commemorative pen or something. David’s contribution to our work has been invaluable. His music resonates themes and emotions within the stories and supports the action with the sensitivity that only a live musician can give. Love him!

Has an MNZM changed your life?

Not really. Obviously, I was chuffed and it was an incredible honour but I still have to pay for parking and nobody lets me go to the front of the supermarket queue and my dog still takes the best seat on the couch.

Tell me about your upcoming international tour.

We’ll be heading to the United States early next year with Guru of Chai. Vermont, New Mexico and Colorado are in our sights.

What are you working on next?

We’re very close to putting the finishing touches on our screen adaptation of our first play, Krishnan’s Dairy. Once Kiss the Fish has finished its run in Auckland we’ll turn our attention to that. There’s also an idea for a new show that needs some researching. Early days for that but we’re very excited.

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• Kiss the Fish is at Auckland’s Q Theatre 14 Sept – 5 October, after a premiere season in Hamilton in August.