Great Expectations

by Charles Dickens
in a stage adaptation by TANIKA GUPTA

First performed at Watford Palace Theatre, Watford on 17 February 2011.

Presented by VCA Acting & VCA Design and Production
Directed by Georgina Naidu

Tanika Gupta’s Great Expectations relocates Dickens’ tale to Bengal at the height of the British Raj. Performed by a versatile ensemble, the story becomes one of shifting power, fractured class hierarchies, and the weight of colonial rule. As Partition looms and empire declines, lives are entangled in love, betrayal, and ambition, revealing how personal dreams cannot be separated from the turbulence of history.

Content Warnings:  This performance contains burning incense. This piece is set in colonial India and covers themes of colonialism and empire, Partition, class struggle, social hierarchies, racial identity and colourism. It also discusses themes of manipulation, emotional abuse, violence, intimidation, death, grief, mental health struggles, economic hardship and religious symbolism. For a full breakdown of content warnings and detailed implications, visit the bottom of the ticketing page here.

This production will run for approximately 3 hours including an interval. Any latecomers will be admitted at the discretion of front of house.

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