East was performed in London's Soho Theatre on Friday 5th December 2003, by actors Avin Shah from The Bill and Damian O'Hare, who played Lieutenant Gillette in Pirates of the Caribbean.

CHALLENGE

Operating an Indian restaurant in 1990s Manchester, Luke and Jayesh struggle to align their visions for success. Luke, focused on flashy marketing and profitability, sees the restaurant as an opportunity to make a mark in the city’s nightlife. Jayesh, however, values authenticity, quality, and cultural respect in his craft. Their clashing priorities jeopardize both the restaurant’s identity and their partnership.

INSIGHT

For Luke, success means adapting to the bold, attention-grabbing strategies that resonate with a Western audience, even if it compromises cultural authenticity. For Jayesh, his heritage and reputation as a chef are inseparable from the restaurant’s success. To him, genuine respect for Indian cuisine and his cultural roots defines the restaurant’s value and appeals to customers. Their inability to understand each other's motivations and values amplifies tensions, risking both their ambitions.

SOLUTION

Through a dramatic confrontation after hours, the play unpacks the cultural and personal conflicts that shape their partnership. The discussion escalates, revealing both the comedy and gravity of their misunderstandings. By focusing on this tension, "East" delivers a humorous yet poignant exploration of identity, ambition, and the sacrifices inherent in blending personal and professional aspirations.