Gwynne Watkins

In the history-infused kids’ book Chachaji’s Cup, a first-generation American boy learns about his Indian heritage by listening to his great-uncle tell stories. This month, the work will be presented as a one-act musical called Tea with Chachaji. We spoke with playwright Gwynne Watkins, who lives in Brooklyn with her husband and young son, about adapting the story for a live performance.

What inspired you to transform this tale into a play?
I have a deep respect for Indian culture, having studied Hindu texts and ancient Indian theater in college. The moment the people at Making Books Sing showed me the book, I started talking excitedly about Hindu mythology and Bollywood movies.

Has your experience as a mother helped shape this work?
It was important to me that the main characters feel like a real family. When you become a parent, you understand your relationship with your own grandparents and parents on a whole other level.

Why is this a good fit for a New York City audience?
New Yorkers come here from everywhere, and we all find unique and unexpected ways to carry on our family traditions, which is what the play is about.—Pamela Brill

Tea with Chachaji is at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center Jan 30–Feb 4.

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