‘Masala Dabba’ Weaving Family Stories Through Indian Spices, To Premiere In SoCal

India-West Staff Reporter

LONG BEACH, CA- International City Theatre (ICT) will present the world premiere of Masala Dabba, a new play by award-winning playwright Wendy Graf, running from August 29 through September 14, with previews on August 27 and 28. Directed by Marya Mazor, the play explores the complexities of a multi-generational, multi-cultural family confronting long-buried truths—sparked by an Indian spice box.

Masala Dabba follows Nisha Byrd, an American-born woman estranged from her mother, Aditi, since marrying Charlie. Aditi, who hails from Gujarat, India, has never met her 14-year-old granddaughter, Tina. When an unexpected event brings Aditi to the United States, the three generations of women confront their past, discovering shared stories and secrets through the spices in Aditi’s “masala dabba.”

“My plays return again and again to themes of family, culture, and identity, explored through race, religion, politics, war, and today’s societal divisions,” said Graf. “‘Masala Dabba’ centers on a mixed Indian and African American family, but I hope all audiences will see themselves reflected in the story.” Graf drew inspiration for the play from her travels in India and her love of Indian cooking.

The creative team includes script development consultant Kaushal Pandya, cultural consultant Sukanya Chakrabarti, Ph.D., scenic designer Destiny Manewal, lighting designer Donny Jackson, costume designer Kim DeShazo, sound designer Dave Mickey, and prop designer Patty Briles. The cast features Timylle Adams, Jon Gentry, Ansuya Nathan, and Abbe Rowlins.

Masala Dabba will be performed at the Beverly O’Neill Theater at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. For more: InternationalCityTheatre.org.