The Father and the Assassin

'Our wars may come in many forms. On the battlefields. Within ourselves.'

Mahatma Gandhi: lawyer, champion of non-violence, beloved leader. Nathuram Godse: journalist, nationalist – and the man who murdered him.

Anupama Chandrasekhar's play The Father and the Assassin traces Godse's life over thirty years during India's fight for independence: from a devout follower of Gandhi, through to his radicalisation and their tragic final encounter in Delhi in 1948.

An essential exploration of oppression and extremism, this gripping play opened to critical acclaim at the National Theatre, London, in May 2022, directed by Indhu Rubasingham – and was revived there the following year. It was a finalist for the 2022-23 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize.



Anupama Chandrasekhar is one of India's most exciting playwrights. In the UK, acclaimed productions of her plays have included Free Outgoing and Disconnect (both Royal Court) and When the Crows Visit, an adaptation of Ibsen's Ghosts (Kiln).



'Exhilarating... big, bold political history that commands the National Theatre's largest stage... Chandrasekhar artfully unpicks the forces of history with a tale of violence and colonialism that echoes into today'



'A terrific, stirring new play. It is both epic and easy, filling the stage with the sweep of history but, more importantly, with an engaging play of ideas... a play full of humour and humanity as well as analytical thought'



'Blackly hilarious... a brilliantly entertaining historical drama... a tremendous piece of writing, and very, very funny'



'Epic but accessible... sharply incisive... viscerally affecting'



'Colourful, ambitious, fast-paced storytelling'



'A lavish political thriller and a riveting psychodrama... punchy and electrifying... a majestic theatrical tapestry'



'Fascinating and topical'



'Bold and invigorating theatre... a timely look at the way an idealistic young man can change aspirations and turn to murder'



'Extraordinary... historical theatre at its best, magnificent, and gripping, subtly condensing history into a two-hour tale that educates and entertains'