Australian Play Explores Identity and Culture Through Cloning

The Supposed To Be, a new play by Chenturan Aran, is a thought-provoking exploration of identity, culture, and the human experience. It tells the story of Kavitha, a corporate executive who embodies the conventions of the model migrant archetype, and her clone Kaye, who channels her fantasy lifestyle as a Sri Lankan Tamil actor and OnlyFans star. Aran's play doesn't shy away from complex themes, and it's clear he's drawn from his own experiences.

Aran's inspiration for the play came from his own experiences as a second-generation Australian, navigating the complexities of cultural identity. He says, 'I think that's a mental game that a lot of people play; maybe it's more severe if you're a second-generation Australian. You're always thinking about these two binary cultural experiences and worlds.' He didn't have an easy time figuring out his identity, and it's something he's still working through.

The play pushes against the idea of authentic identity being purely tied to cultural or ancestral connection. Instead, it explores the multidimensional spectrum of personal interests and influences. Aran cites the irreverent humour and melodrama found in Pedro Almodóvar's films as an influence. He also draws from the surrealist storytelling in Charlie Kaufman's Adaptation and Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind. Ingmar Bergman's Persona, a psychological drama about a nurse and patient who begin to merge identities, is another key inspiration.

Aran says, 'We have to become these translators for a population that hasn’t had their stories told in the Australian landscape, but that’s not really an exhaustive or full picture.' He believes that people are more than just their cultural backgrounds. 'We all have hobbies, different experiences, and also curiosities; things that we want to learn about,' he says. It's this complexity that he's trying to capture in his play.

The play features a talented cast, including Michelle Perera, who plays the role of Kavitha. Perera finds it cathartic performing the relatable moments reflecting her Sri Lankan upbringing. 'In South Asian cultures, we’re not prone to actually say the words, ‘I love you’, but it's shown in many different ways,' she says. 'Whether it’s constantly feeding someone or just shouting at them, there is cruelty masked as love.' She thinks the West doesn't understand this nuanced approach to love.

The play is directed by Isabella Vadiveloo, who has been working with Aran on the script development and dramaturgy since 2023. Vadiveloo says, 'When I’m directing something with sci-fi components, I only ever approach it as a human story that transcends the genre.' She believes the genre gives us a familiar and exciting new lens to explore those aspects of connection and culture. It's a unique approach, and one that Vadiveloo is well-suited to.

The Supposed To Be is a comedy that explores the complexities of identity, culture, and human connection. It's a must-see for anyone interested in exploring the nuances of the human experience. With its talented cast, thought-provoking themes, and stunning direction, The Supposed To Be is set to be a highlight of the Rising festival. It's a play that won't disappoint, and it's one that will leave you thinking long after it's over.

The play's exploration of identity and culture is particularly relevant in today's society, where people are increasingly navigating multiple cultural experiences and worlds. The Supposed To Be offers a unique perspective on this complex issue, one that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. It's a play that doesn't shy away from difficult themes, and it's one that will resonate with audiences.

As the play prepares to premiere at Footscray Community Arts, audiences are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to experience this groundbreaking production. With its talented cast, stunning direction, and thought-provoking themes, The Supposed To Be is set to be a must-see event in the Australian theatre scene. It's a play that won't be missed, and it's one that will be talked about for a long time.

The Rising festival, which features The Supposed To Be, is a celebration of Australian arts and culture. The festival brings together a diverse range of productions, from theatre and dance to music and visual arts. The Supposed To Be is just one of the many exciting productions that will be featured at the festival, which runs from May 27 to June 6. It's a festival that promises to be exciting, and it's one that won't disappoint.

In addition to its thought-provoking themes and talented cast, The Supposed To Be also features stunning direction from Isabella Vadiveloo. Vadiveloo's approach to directing the play is unique, as she seeks to transcend the sci-fi genre and explore the human story at the heart of the production. It's an approach that works well, and it's one that brings the play to life.

The Supposed To Be is a play that will leave audiences thinking long after the curtain falls. Its exploration of identity, culture, and human connection is both thought-provoking and entertaining, making it a must-see event in the Australian theatre scene. It's a play that's not to be missed, and it's one that will stay with you for a long time.

The Supposed To Be is a play that's not to be missed. With its talented cast, stunning direction, and thought-provoking themes, it's set to be a highlight of the Rising festival. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this groundbreaking production, which will leave you thinking long after the curtain falls. It's a play that won't disappoint, and it's one that you won't soon forget.