AASHIYANA

Aashiyana, meaning “Home” in Hindi & Urdu, was a two-act cabaret curated to narrate the journey of finding community and joy as people of color in America.

Constructed to illustrate the journey from loneliness to an embrace of culture and community, the story was told through 14 songs in 7 languages, each carefully chosen to honor the performers’ stories and global art and music.

The musical performances were complimented by set, lighting, and costume designs, advancing the stories. On their wrists, actors began the performance wearing non-colored costumes and white Rumāl, a clothing piece central to Punjabi culture. As the ensemble came together, the costumes and Rumāl changed to incorporate more culture and color. Simultaneously, the ensemble erected the set throughout the course of the show as curtains and lights enveloped the theatre in rich color as the ensemble grew into a community.

Performed by an ensemble of twelve actors, developed by a team of twenty crew and band members, and graciously funded by the Vibrant Colors Collective Multicultural Student Theatre Company, Aashiyana was enjoyed by audiences on January 12th and 13th in 2024.