Who is Jacob Rajan?
Indian New Zealander. Actor, theatre-maker and co-founder of the Indian Ink Theatre Company.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Floss more.
Who inspires you and why?
You’re going to want to throw up but my 3 kids. 2 boys and a girl. They’re young adults now and everything they do is shiny and new and exciting. My wife and I are on the edge of our seats watching them flap their wings. So terrifying… and inspiring.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Try not to be an arsehole but if you are, apologise.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Portugal, Japan, Cuba. Because I’ve never been and my favourite destination is somewhere I’ve never been and eating something delicious there I’ve never eaten.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Dinner at my place. I like to cook. I live in Wellington, New Zealand. It’s usually windy and cold. Why go out? Attractions are over-rated.
What are you currently reading?
The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky. It started off as one of those obligation “classics” but now it’s like “where have you been all my life?”
What are you currently listening to?
Elijah’s Flight.
Happiness is?
Eating my mum’s red fish curry.
What does the future hold for you?
Performing Paradise or the Impermanence of Ice Cream at the Sydney Festival in January and then Vancouver in March. Squeezing in performances of Guru of Chai in Wollongong in February. I’m writing a new play called Dirty Work that will premiere in Auckland in June and working on the screenplay for a feature film – an adaptation of my first play, Krishnan’s Dairy. No time to floss!
Jacob is the Writer of, and Performer in, Paradise or the Impermanence of Ice Cream – which will be presented at the Riverside Theatres, Parramatta, 17 – 22 January, as part of the 2023 Sydney Festival. For more information, visit: www.sydneyfestival.org.au for details.
Image: Jacob Rajan (supplied)