Director Pravesh Kumar tells KATHERINE MACALISTER why he jumped at the chance to stage his latest show

Pravesh Kumar is buzzing. Buzzing with news of his new show, buzzing with excitement at changing the rules, at capturing a whole new generation of theatre-goers, at starting again from grassroots to spread the word, at getting down with the kids.

Anyone who saw his Britain’s Got Bhangra will know what to expect of his shows – street dance meets Bollywood, aimed at a younger, predominantly Asian audience. “This is for people who wouldn’t usually come to the theatre,” Pravesh explains, “because they are the future in this industry and we want to engage them and be part of their lives.”

Always topical, the Break The Floorboards plot revolves around the very audience he’s hoping to reach, to encourage young British Muslims to the arts. Featuring Zane, who is 16 and has left school with aspirations to be an actor, it depicts how his family is completely against his career plans.

“Break The Floorboards is a dance drama about being able to follow your dreams and bring them to fruition, but it’s fun, funny and energetic, at the same time,” Pravesh promises.

Doing his homework first, Pravesh sent a youth development officer into local communities to spread the word and find out what they want. “The kids say there’s nothing in the theatre for them so they don’t want to go,” the 42-year-old tells me, “so that’s why the show features proper street dance and Bollywood.

“Essentially, Break The Floorboards is a play with some big dance numbers and a big troupe/crew. Because it’s a challenge to look at social issues without alienating the audience. It takes a lightness of touch and you have to provide them with something they will enjoy.”

So where did this desire to challenge the status quo come from? “We kept coming across British Asians who wanted to be in the arts but were told by their parents and communities it wasn’t a safe career, and the cliche of being expected to get a proper job like a doctor, accountant or dentist instead.

“Yet working in the arts is a great opportunity. Yes it is a different career, but if you work hard, like anything else you can make something of yourself.”

It also meant that Pravesh was able to carve a niche for himself in the world of theatre, and it’s paid off – Britain’s Got Bhangra is being planned for the West End, with a film being talked about and the next show being written as we speak.

“It’s always risky when you make new work because it needs to be something that makes people ask questions without being too political or edgy. “Your audience wants a good night out and you don't want to frighten them away, so Breaking The Floorboards is ultimately a treat with lots of dancing in it which pushes the boundaries at the same time.”

And then he laughs: “You should see the choreography though, it’s amazing – the backflips are awesome. How do they do that?”

Break the Floorboards is at Oxford Playhouse from Thursday, May 30, to Saturday, June 1. Call the box office on 01865 305305 or book online at
oxfordplayhouse.com