Drip…

drip…

drip…

We all know we can call a handyperson to fix a broken roof, but who can you call when you feel like your life needs to be fixed? The Roof is Leaking (ਛੱਤ ਚੋਂਦੀ ਹੈ), written by Davinder Malhi and Sanskruti Marathe, focuses on a South Asian family during one of the most difficult times in their lives: the unexpected death of their father and patriarch. Directed by Pleiades Theatre’s Artistic Executive Director Ash Knight, The Roof is Leaking (ਛੱਤ ਚੋਂਦੀ ਹੈ) is an intriguing story of loss, secrets, and a roof that won’t stop dripping.

The upstairs space at the Berkeley Street Theatre has been transformed into a deconstructed house. The left side of the stage is the dining room, with a wall beginning to shows signs of cracks and wear. The centre of the stage is the living room, where the majority of the action takes place which features a wall covered in family photos. While on the right side we have the kitchen pass-through with some stools on the side we can see. Jackie Chau’s set design creates clear locations while also ensuring the set is cohesive as a whole – these are clearly rooms in the same house. The set design also includes some surprises which are revealed at the emotional climax of the piece. 

Sandeep lives with her husband and two of her three children, Jaspinder and Gurvir. Her middle daughter, Meena, has recently moved to another city. On the morning their roof starts leaking, Jaspinder gets a call that her father has been found dead of a stroke. Sandeep and Jaspinder must jump into action, calling their uncle Arjun and his family, and arranging funeral plans. However, through this process comes another type of grieving for Sandeep, for the life she felt was stolen from her by her husband. A mock trial ensues, as Sandeep feels like the only way forward for her is to be divorced from her now deceased husband: to be free of the familial bonds which would otherwise impede her from exploring herself. Through this trial, more is uncovered than anyone involved anticipates as sides are chosen, accusations fly, and our notion of how we mourn our loved ones is deeply challenged.

Gurpreet Chana’s sound design becomes an essential element of The Roof is Leaking (ਛੱਤ ਚੋਂਦੀ ਹੈ) as the drip of the water is a constant reminder of the work needing to be done. The only time that we don’t hear the roof leaking is during the trial scene, where everyone’s focus is solely on the characters and what’s being uncovered. Yet this motif of the leaking roof is such a strong metaphor for the family. The roof leak is initially dealt with by a small bowl, which is then upgraded to a larger bowl, until finally being replaced by a bucket. As Sandeep’s secrets pile up inside of her, it takes more of her to keep them in, until she (and the water from the roof) finally bursts forth from what’s been holding her back. This is a pointed pointed reminder of our need to share, to seek help when required, and to speak up for ourselves, or eventually all of that pain will have to go somewhere. 

Dharini Woollcombe leads the cast as Sandeep. Woollcombe gives an emotional performance as the matriarch, and it’s impressive to see her character embark on such a profound journey. Sarena Parmar plays the eldest daughter, Jaspinder, and I could absolutely relate to a lot of the feelings her character described throughout the play. Her dynamic with her siblings, played by Tia Sandhu and Harry Gill, is perfect as well. Sandhu’s Meena has middle child written all over her, and Sandhu really leans in to this over-dramatic role. Gill’s Gurvir is the exact opposite; shy and unsure, it’s heartwarming to see them come into their own towards the end of the play. Saranjeet Arora plays Arjun, the brother of Sandeep’s husband, and his steadfast commitment not just to his brother but to the traditional ways of their people makes him an intriguing study. Kiran Kaur plays his wife, Kiran, and she gives her an edge at the beginning which makes her character’s growth all the more interesting. Harit Sohal plays their daughter Munni, who is the embodiment of her generation wrapped up in an adorable butterfly sweater. Harpreet Sehmbi’s Sukhminder is the exact kind of confident, worldly Auntie I hope to be; despite being estranged from the family she still shows up, and Sehmbi gives her a grace and heart which make her instantly loveable.

The Roof is Leaking (ਛੱਤ ਚੋਂਦੀ ਹੈ) might be about a Punjabi family new to Canada, but in these dynamics its easy to see your own self or your family reflected. I enjoyed how director Ash Knight mentioned in his pre-show speech that we can use theatre to learn about other cultures, that it’s not just our own culture we should seek to see. I certainly feel that way about the bounty of cultures I’m able to learn about through Toronto’s theatre scene, and The Roof is Leaking (ਛੱਤ ਚੋਂਦੀ ਹੈ) is no exception. 

The Roof is Leaking (ਛੱਤ ਚੋਂਦੀ ਹੈ) runs in the upstairs theatre at the Berkeley Street Theatre until May 18. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.pleiadestheatre.org/theroofisleaking

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Cover Photo: The cast of The Roof is Leaking. Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann.

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