London, Nov 22: A decade-old political satire by British Indian scientist Vivek Nityananda has coincidentally premiered on the London stage this week, coinciding with UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood’s announcement of a major overhaul of the country’s immigration system.
Vivek Nityananda, a lecturer at the University of Newcastle with multi-disciplinary research expertise in insect behaviour, wrote I Dream of Theresa May to explore the so-called “hostile environment” for migrants introduced by former Conservative Party Home Secretary and Prime Minister Theresa May. The play reflects on questions of identity, Britishness, and the experiences of a queer migrant navigating systemic challenges.
“With this play, I wanted to explore identity and immigration under the ‘hostile environment’ policy,” Nityananda said. “While it tackles serious themes, it is a satire full of humor, and I hope audiences leave both entertained and thoughtful.”
Born and raised in Bengaluru, Nityananda pursued his PhD at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) before moving to the UK during a time when policies targeting skilled migrants were taking effect. The concept of the play originated from his experience imagining a conversation with Theresa May in his dreams.
The play is being staged by Tara Theatre, a London-based organization supporting South Asian performers and creators. Director Natasha Kathi-Chandra, who splits her time between Hyderabad and London, praised the script as both personal and politically relevant, stating that it provides a witty and insightful lens on immigration while centering South Asian voices on stage.
Set in 2013, the play follows Nikhil, a gay Indian man living in London, portrayed by Delhi-born actor Taraash Mehrotra. In his struggle to secure settlement rights, Nikhil finds an unlikely mentor in Theresa May, with the narrative moving between comedy and nightmarish scenarios that highlight the pressures faced by migrants. The story resonates even as the UK government announces a doubling of settlement timelines this week.
