House of India

by Deepak Kumar

In memory of her late husband, Ananya runs “House of India,” the last remaining restaurant in a once-flourishing Asian strip mall outside of Cleveland. All around her are pressures to change – from her finances, from her kids, and most persistently, from Jacob, a Thai-American entrepreneur (and current cook at the restaurant) who is determined to convert the traditional restaurant into a nationwide fast-casual...

In memory of her late husband, Ananya runs “House of India,” the last remaining restaurant in a once-flourishing Asian strip mall outside of Cleveland. All around her are pressures to change – from her finances, from her kids, and most persistently, from Jacob, a Thai-American entrepreneur (and current cook at the restaurant) who is determined to convert the traditional restaurant into a nationwide fast-casual Indo-fusion franchise (think: Indian Chipotle). When the restaurant is vandalized, Ananya must make a choice: give up on her husband's “American dream” and close up shop, or compromise on her values to stay afloat? A play about South Indian food, familial expectations, and figuring out what really makes a "House" a home.

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House of India

Recommended by

  • Playwrights Foundation: House of India by Deepak Kumar
    “

    The community of national & local readers for the 45th annual Bay Area Playwrights Festival (2022) enthusiastically recommends HOUSE OF INDIA as a Semi-Finalist at Playwrights Foundation.
    We were deeply moved by the investigation of how the ‘American Dream’ has shifted for immigrant families especially across generational differences. We were compelled by the play’s promise in it’s execution of the familial relationships & obligations and themes of capitalization of identity and assimilation. We hope this play is widely read, finds dedicated collaborators, and moves swiftly towards production...

    The community of national & local readers for the 45th annual Bay Area Playwrights Festival (2022) enthusiastically recommends HOUSE OF INDIA as a Semi-Finalist at Playwrights Foundation.
    We were deeply moved by the investigation of how the ‘American Dream’ has shifted for immigrant families especially across generational differences. We were compelled by the play’s promise in it’s execution of the familial relationships & obligations and themes of capitalization of identity and assimilation. We hope this play is widely read, finds dedicated collaborators, and moves swiftly towards production. #BAPF2022

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    ”
  • Carissa Atallah: House of India by Deepak Kumar
    “

    A wonderful, heartfelt play that explores the nuances of being first and second-generation Americans. The beats in dialogue really flow. I can't wait to see more from Kumar!

    A wonderful, heartfelt play that explores the nuances of being first and second-generation Americans. The beats in dialogue really flow. I can't wait to see more from Kumar!

    ”
  • Kate Douglas: House of India by Deepak Kumar
    “

    A beautifully crafted, heartfelt, and witty exploration of home, family and legacy.

    A beautifully crafted, heartfelt, and witty exploration of home, family and legacy.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations

Character Information

All characters should be played by Asian actors. Ananya, Vikram, and Vaidehi can be played by any South Asian actors. Jacob can be played by any Southeast Asian actor.
  • Ananya
    Runs “House of India”, Vikram and Vaidehi’s mother.
    50s
    Asian (South Asian)
    a woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Jacob
    Wants to be an entrepreneur.
    late 20s
    Thai
    a man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Vaidehi
    mid-late 20s
    South Asian
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Vikram
    Wants to be a writer.
    30s
    Asian (South Asian)
    a man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Reading, Bay Street Theatre, 2024
  • Workshop, The Old Globe, 2024
  • Reading, Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center, 2022

Production History

  • Professional, The Old Globe, 2025

Awards

  • Blue Ink Award
    American Blues Theatre
    Finalist
    2023
  • National Playwrights Conference
    Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
    Selection
    2022
  • Bay Area Playwrights Festival
    Playwrights Foundation
    Semi-Finalist
    2022