The Cultch, In Partnership with Diwali Fest, Presents THE ELEPHANT WRESTLER

The Cultch and Diwali Fest have partnered to present the Canadian premiere of the award-winning The Elephant Wrestler from Tuesday, November 1st to Saturday, November 5 at The Historic Theatre.

Indian Ink Theatre Company display their theatrical muscle in a tale bristling with mischief, mayhem, and the maddening magic of India. Inspired by a traditional Indian fairy tale, The Elephant Wrestler follows a poor 'chai-wallah' (tea-seller) as he attempts to solve the interwoven mysteries of true love, tragedy, and joy.

Kutisar is a dubious spiritual guide - a buck-toothed chameleon, channeling seventeen characters and leaping to multiple locations, delivering a serpentine romantic thriller while dispensing his unique brand of mystical wisdom. He is charming, loathsome, and absurdly profound. Laughter, heartbreak, and enlightenment abound - not to mention the killer live soundtrack provided by his mute sidekick, Dave.

An international success, earning rave reviews in New Zealand, Australia, Asia, and the U.S., The Elephant Wrestler is outrageously funny and a whirlwind of dramatic storytelling that grabs you by the throat and never lets go.

About The Cultch:

Now in its 43rd season, The Cultch has been one of Vancouver's most diverse and innovative arts and cultural institutions, offering dynamic programming in Contemporary Theatre, dance, and music by local, national, and International Artists. Today, The Cultch continues to enrich the social and cultural life of Vancouver by bringing world-class cultural presentations to the public, supporting the growth of emerging artists and companies, and facilitating dialogue between groups in the Lower Mainland, especially within our local community of East Vancouver. The Cultch is so much more than just a theatre in the physical sense - our organization is looked upon as one of the foremost performing arts presenters in the country. Widely recognized as an innovator and leader, we have played an integral role in the development of British Columbia's artistic landscape. www.thcultch.com

About Diwali Fest:

Produced by the Diwali Celebration Society, Diwali Fest is an annual South Asian arts and culture festival that celebrates the universal light that exists in everyone. Diwali Fest originated in 2004 and has since evolved to become one of the largest Diwali-themed events in the Lower Mainland and a destination event on the city's cultural calendar. It strives to promote unity in diversity and showcases the best and brightest South Asian talent, exhibiting artistic innovation through a myriad of forms while engaging a wide community in an active and inclusive role. Each year's festival engages dozens of artists in events across the city, the majority of which are open and free to the general public, by donation, or at affordably priced tickets. Diwali Fest would not be possible without the generous support of its board members: Kriti Dewan, Gurdeep Birdi, Chirag Vesuvala, Sahil Bhrany, Soutomi Kundu, and Gurpreet Sian. www.diwalifest.ca