Everything Theatre Reviews, interviews and news for theatre lovers, London and beyond
Madelaine Moore and Guleraana Mir discuss Santi & Naz
Step into the world of Santi & Naz, a vibrant and poignant play about two girls navigating their friendship in the years leading up to the Partition of India. Co-created by Madelaine Moore and Guleraana Mir, who together make up The Thelmas, the show delves into a key moment in history, while also exploring universal themes of love, loss, and identity.
Following its national tour Santi & Naz now comes to the Soho Theatre, offering a fresh perspective on a complex historical event, blending humor and tragedy to leave audiences both entertained and deeply moved.
We sat down with the creative duo to discuss their inspiration, the challenges they faced, and what they hope audiences take away from the show.
Welcome to Everything Theatre! Let’s kick off with introductions.
MM: Hi! I’m Madelaine Moore, Artistic Director of The Thelmas, and co-creator and director of Santi & Naz.
GM: And I’m Guleraana Mir, Executive Director of The Thelmas, as well as co-creator and co-writer of the play.
Where are you playing, and why that venue?
MM: Santi & Naz will be at Soho Theatre. It’s the perfect venue for a show like ours because it combines intimacy and vibrancy – a space where our story can connect with audiences on a deep emotional level.
What can audiences expect from the show?
GM: Santi & Naz is a playful yet touching portrayal of two girls’ friendship during the years leading up to the Partition of India. It explores a pivotal moment in global history that’s also part of British history – though it’s often overlooked.
While the story has its share of tragedy, the play is brimming with joy and humor. We hope audiences experience a spectrum of emotions and leave inspired to tell their best friends how much they love them.
What inspired you to create this show?
GM: I’ve always been struck by how few stories exist about Partition, and the ones that do are often told from a British perspective. Partition is described as the greatest humanitarian crisis of modern times, yet we rarely hear the voices of those who lived through it.
Theatre is a powerful medium to explore the emotional impact of events. I proposed the idea to Maddy with the intention of focusing on how the choices of those in power affect ordinary people. The story is less about historical facts and more about imagining how the political and historical circumstances of Partition shaped the lives of two young girls coming of age.
What initially attracted you to this project?
MM: Guleraana and I had long talked about creating a show about Partition, but we wanted to approach it differently. For Guleraana, it was about not focusing solely on trauma, and for me, it was about exploring the intensity and complexity of teenage friendships. And that’s how Santi & Naz came to life!
What was the biggest challenge in bringing the vision for this show to life?
MM: I’m not South Asian, so I’ve worked hard to listen to my team – most of whom are South Asian – and ensure that the cultural and historical aspects of the story feel authentic. It’s been a rewarding challenge, learning from the creatives and weaving my vision into the material in a way that feels true to us all as theatre makers.
Who do you imagine will enjoy the show the most?
GM: South Asian families will resonate deeply, especially older generations who lived through the Partition era. But young people today, facing political upheaval and uncertainty, will also find something to connect with.
Intergenerational audiences will each relate to different aspects of the story – whether it’s the intense bond of friendship or the experience of life-changing events beyond your control. Ultimately, anyone who’s ever loved a best friend will enjoy this play, regardless of age or background.
MM: After our first Edinburgh Fringe preview, a local South Asian elder commented that the play reminded him of his childhood in India. That moment reinforced how powerful this production can be.
Will we find you at the bar after the show?
GM: Absolutely! We love hearing audience reactions – what they thought about the play, how it affected them, and why they chose to watch it.
Our audiences have been so diverse, from people celebrating decades of friendship to those wanting to learn more about their grandparents’ history. If you see us at the Soho Theatre bar, come and say hi!
If your show were a meal, what would it be?
GM: It would be a thali – a round dish offering a variety of flavors, finished with tangy, citrusy nimbu pani (lemonade).
If your show had a soundtrack, what songs would be on it?
MM: If the story were set today, Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess would dominate, with Naked in Manhattan for Naz and Picture You for Santi. (Yes, she featured heavily on my Spotify Wrapped this year!)
If you could perform this show anywhere in the world?
GM: Performing Santi & Naz in Punjab, in cities on both sides of the border like Lahore and Chandigarh, would be incredible.
If budget wasn’t an issue, what’s one set piece you’d love to include?
MM: A big tree with a rope swing over a real lake! I have a whole version of the show in my head set on the Olivier stage, with actors on silks for dream sequences.
If you could invite anyone (living or dead) to see the show, who would it be?
MM: Louis Mountbatten, so he could witness the consequences of his botched partition plan.
What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received in your career?
MM: Speak from the heart, be concise, and be open to surprises. For Santi & Naz, this advice kept me focused on centering the girls’ friendship in the story, not the trauma. It also reinforced the importance of intentional design and embracing the unpredictable magic of collaboration.
Santi & Naz plays at the Soho Theatre, running from 21st January to 8th February. Further information and booking are available here.
