The Orange Tree Theatre have announced full casting for the UK première of Michele Lee’s Rice, a co-production with Actors Touring Company, running from 9 October-13 November 2021.

Artistic Director of Actors Touring Company Matthew Xia will direct Zainab Hasan (Nisha) and Sarah Lam (Yvette) in the piece.

Nisha is a young hotshot executive working for Golden Fields, Australia’s largest producer of rice. Ambitious and headstrong, she’s determined to become the first female Indian CEO in Australia. She’s close to sealing a contract with the Indian government, which would see her company take over India’s national rice distribution system.

A secret deal worth billions.

Working late nights in the office she encounters Yvette, an older Chinese migrant, who cleans up her mess. Yvette has her own entrepreneurial ambitions, but her daughter faces court after participating in a protest against the unethical practices of a national supermarket chain.

The two form a powerful – if unlikely – bond as they navigate the complexities of their lives and the world at large.

Completing the creative team is designer Hyemi Shin, lighting designer Bethany Gupwell and sound designer Lex Kosanke.

There will also be livestreamed performances via OT on screen on 4 & 5 November. 

For more information and to book tickets, please click here.