Santi and Naz

Recommended Age 12+ | Contains references to violence, religious and political unrest, religious and political violence, Empire and colonisation, forced marriage, murder and sexual assault.

Santi and Naz are bestest-best friends living in a village in pre-partition India. One Sikh, one Muslim; they have little understanding of how religion will divide them. As partition draws closer, the girls remain oblivious to the spreading social unrest and violence. They’re too busy stealing books, swimming in the lake and spying on Rahul (the local hottie). When Naz is betrothed to a tailor from the soon-to-be capital of Pakistan the threat of separation for the young women looms on the horizon. Bound by their love for each other we learn how far they will go to avoid the inevitable.

Santi & Naz explores female friendship, coming-of-age and coming out set against the backdrop of a country soon to be changed forever. Recipient of the Fringe Society’s Keep It Fringe Fund and Winner of the Charlie Hartill Fund 2023.

‘Vital and utterly charming…softness and immediacy which is entirely unforced and makes us want to wrap them both in a big hug.’ ★★★★ BROADWAY BABY

Written by Guleraana Mir and afshan d’souza lodhi
Directed by Madelaine Moore
Designed by Sascha Gilmour
Sound Design and Composition by Tom Curzon

Supported by Arts Council England
Image: Greg Veit Photography