Sometimes, when trying to secure permanent residency in Australia, it feels like all we have is an ongoing struggle with bureaucracy, the sense of losing our connection with home, and the label of an outsider. If you’re living in this harsh reality so many immigrants have faced and continue to face, you need two things.

Firstly, you want to be understood because it feels so isolating.

Secondly, you need to have a good laugh.

Enter a fresh new play by Pakistani playwright Almitra Mavalvala: ‘For the Love of Paper.’ It’s a subtle and humorous portrayal of one such immigrant experience we at SAARI don’t think you should miss. 

'For the Love of Paper,' is a heartwarming cross-cultural romantic comedy directed and co-produced by Kersherka Sivakumaran, featuring Almitra Mavalvala, Antony Makhlouf, and Joseph Raboy. The story revolves around two best friends, Amaliah, a South Asian woman, and Kaveh, a queer Afghani man. The duo find themselves entangled in the complex web of immigration laws persistent in Australia.

"The play explores themes of sacrifice, compromise, and the lengths we go for those we care about, all while celebrating the power of friendship and love. Through the lens of humour, we explore the intricate dance of bureaucracy and cultural clashes, finding joy in the unexpected misadventures that make us stronger," says Kersherka.

"By delving into the complexities of immigration and cultural diversity, we shed light on the lived experiences of individuals navigating these challenges,” Kersherka adds. 

“It's an important contribution to the broader conversation about multicultural Australia, emphasising unity in diversity and the strength of embracing our shared humanity."

In writing the play, Almitra draws on her first-hand experience of feeling trapped in the spiderweb of migration laws. 

"Back in 2021, I had a photo shoot and was discussing visa problems (the bane of my existence). We chatted about ways I could stay, and honestly, I got tired of people telling me I should "just get married to an Aussie" if I wanted to stay in the country. 

“I haven't. But I write what I know.” 

“This show is based on my experience with immigration, but this is not a true story," says actor-writer Almitra.

As a first-time director, Kersherka approached directing with a sense of responsibility for authenticity and a thorough creative process. 

"When portraying communities rarely seen in mainstream theatre, it's crucial to be mindful of every choice we make, says Kersherka. 

“To achieve this, I engage in deep conversations with the team about the script. During these discussions, we make character choices and identify motivations that lend authenticity to the piece."

Kersherka has been a creative soul for years, but this is the first time she is trying her hands at direction. When asked how she brings a unique sensibility, “Drawing from over 25 years of experience in Bharathanatyam, I bring a unique perspective to choreographing movement and positioning characters within the space,” she highlights.  

“Working in a traverse theatre setting has provided an intriguing canvas to leverage this skill, enriching the storytelling experience further.”

For Almitra, she balances Kersherka’s freshness with a sense of experience. Almitra has been exploring the topic of immigration for some time. Her previous work, 'Blacklisted,' also dealt with the consequences of migration. When asked how she found inspiration in the challenges of immigration and integration, she said, "with a lot of support from my network."

"There comes a point in your life where you stop and reflect on what is important and must be honest about what you are willing to sacrifice.

“I have fought immigration to no end, in the capacity that I have had, but sometimes I have to accept what is and not focus on what could have been….and then turn it into art. Life has always been a series of 'great content' for me," she expressed.

From a solo writer-performer in ‘Blacklisted’ to being surrounded by a small cast and crew, this newest show, which has already met sold-out audiences on opening weekend, represents art as a community. 

"Even though Blacklisted was a 'solo performance,' there were so many people involved in the making. I never feel like I am alone in any project that I do. And I am so very grateful for that. I like to think of myself as a very open collaborator; that is where magic happens," Almitra noted.

The shows deal with a sensitive matter that can hit home for many. The makers hope that "the audiences walk away with a deeper empathy for other people's experiences and motivation to make the most of life."

"The show, at its core, celebrates the indomitable human spirit - it reminds us not to get bogged down in what's not going right and focus on what is. I hope everyone walks away optimistic and hopeful," concludes Kersherka.

For the Love of Paper is a compelling 90-minute theatrical creation. It is running from 5 April to 20 April at the KXT on Broadway in Ultimo, Sydney.

You can get your tickets here. The SAARI Sydney crew will be attending multiple shows and also trying to sell out closing night on 20 April to help celebrate this production, so we hope to see you there!

Radha Mishra is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in newsrooms. Now practising independently, she is passionate about covering issues that matter. She strives to deliver accurate and impactful stories to audiences globally.