A tasty treat? A hurtful slur? A playful joke amongst friends? Coconut is a show and shared discussion about being othered, from outside and within.

Why is it called Coconut?

1. The word Coconut can be used as a derogatory term towards Black and Brown people, to suggest that they are ‘white on the inside’.

2. Coconut is the main ingredient of a ‘modak’, which is a maharashtrian dumpling from Ria’s hometown that is made to celebrate Lord Ganesha, the elephant god in Hindu mythology.

Coconut was born from Ria Phatarphekar-Karmarkar’s experiences of growing up in an Indian household, where mealtimes were for chatting, sharing, and bonding over a home cooked meal. Her new show will bring Global Majority communities together to discuss the experience of being ‘othered’ in the UK while sharing a meal.

The show will star a community cast who have worked with Ria in a workshops exploring the themes of ‘othering’ whilst developing their stories and preparing to share with an audience of their neighbours and friends. The show is an unscripted and unrehearsed conversation. The show will be followed by a communal meal, inviting the audience and cast to continue the conversation.

For more information on the wider project visit www.communitycoconut.co.uk.