The Old Globe is presenting the world premiere of House of India, a new play by Deepak Kumar. The show unfolds in the Globe’s Sheryl and Harvey White Theater, an intimate space offering a theater-in-the-round experience—an element that’s pivotal to the success of the production.

Supriya Ganesh as Vaidehi, Tommy Bo as Jacob, Mahira Kakkar as Ananya, Deven Kolluri as Vikram

Upon entering the theater, the audience is immediately drawn into the interior of a typical Indian restaurant. Scenic designer Chika Shimizu’s colorful set, enhanced by lighting designer Cha See’s warm glow and Fan Zhang’s subtle soundscape envelops us in a world of family, food, and community. The tones, fixtures, carpeting, and four tables perfectly encapsulate the play’s central theme: how food, culture, and the need to survive can both divide and unite a family and a community.

Mahira Kakkar as Ananya

Ananya owns the restaurant—the House of India—located on the outskirts of Akron, Ohio, in a neighborhood that’s seen its Indian population dwindle. Since the death of Ananya’s husband, she and her daughter Vaidhei must manage the establishment, helped by their young Thai cook, Jacob, who brings a fresh perspective (and some unexpected ideas) to the table. Then Vaidehi’s son, Vikram, shows up after three years away in New York City—and things really start to simmer.

Supriya Ganesh as Vaidehi and Mahira Kakkar as Ananya

In the hands of a less skilled playwright, a family drama centered around food–and the way it seasons conflicts, dreams, and joys–might feel predictable and familiar. But Kumar brings a fresh approach to the clash between tradition and modernity, youth and age, risk-taking and security, and the question of how to preserve one’s culture within a larger society.

Deven Kolluri as Vikram

The restaurant isn’t exactly thriving, and conflicts—over everything from menu items to management styles—bubble up between the characters. Food is ever-present, even in the air: the production pumps in actual scents that waft through the theater. But it is food and its relationship to culture that provides friction. House of India asks a poignant question: What must we give up to fit in?

Supriya Ganesh as Vaidehi, Mahira Kakkar as Ananya, Deven Kolluri as Vikram, Tommy Bo as Jacob

The show is an entertaining pleasure, thanks especially to its plot twists and character revelations. Even the set undergoes a clever transformation. The script avoids being overly preachy, balancing sweet insight into Indian culture with sharp, contemporary issues such as ethnic conflict, never veering into the pedantic. The four main characters are richly drawn, and the cast is first-rate: Tommy Bo lights up the stage as Jacob, bringing infectious enthusiasm and spark. As the mother, Ananya, Mahira Kakkar deftly blends duty and independence with warmth and sincerity. Supriya Ganesh captures the complexity of the troubled daughter, Ananya, and Deven Kolluri plays the wayward son, Vikram, with the right mix of charm and trouble.

Tommy Bo as Jacob

Director Zi Alikhan coaxes fine performances from the entire cast. A bit more movement in some scenes might have opened up the space more effectively; theater in the round often works best when actors are less static. Plus, actors facing away from your quadrant of the audience can be a challenge to hear—but Alikhan’s staging creates powerful, often quiet, moments where action speaks louder than words.

Deven Kolluri as Vikram, Tommy Bo as Jacob, and Supriya Ganesh as Vaidehi

The show is a touching window into the lives of a community not seen very often in American theater. Honestly, it was a shame there wasn’t a real restaurant in the theater lobby. After 90 minutes of watching House of India, I was ready to order a table full of samosas and biryani.

Supriya Ganesh as Vaidehi

photos by Jim Cox
poster artwork by Cristina Byvik

Mahira Kakkar as Ananya, Supriya Ganesh as Vaidehi, Deven Kolluri as Vikram, Tommy Bo as Jacob

House of India
Old Globe’s Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre
1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park
Tues-Thurs at 7; Fri at 8; Sat at 2 & 8; Sun at 2 & 7
ends on June 8, 2025
for tickets (starting at $39), call 619.437.6000 or visit The Old Globe