Five-time National Award-winning actress and Padma Bhushan recipient Shabana Azmi is set to enthrall audiences across North America with her powerful performance in the acclaimed one-woman play ‘Broken Images’. Written by renowned playwright Girish Karnad and directed by theatre legend Alyque Padamsee, the production has been hailed as a milestone in contemporary Indian theatre. The highly anticipated tour will travel across the USA and Canada in September and October 2025. More than just a theatrical celebration, the tour also carries a deeper purpose: proceeds will support Raëll Padamsee’s CREATE Foundation, uplifting women, children, and marginalized communities through education and the arts.
“Broken Images has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career. Girish Karnad’s writing gives me a canvas to explore emotions and conflicts that are universal yet deeply personal.”
– Shabana Azmi
Broken Images is a powerful one-woman show that has captivated audiences worldwide with its layered storytelling and emotional depth. The play follows Manjula Sharma, a Hindi writer whose unexpected literary journey delves into questions of identity, language, and the fractured self, blurring the line between truth and illusion. Shabana Azmi’s extraordinary performance breathes life into Girish Karnad’s brilliant writing, making the production a deeply moving theatrical experience.
“Every time I perform in North America, the energy is truly unparalleled, it feels like more than just being on stage. It’s wonderful to reconnect with old fans and share meaningful moments with both longtime supporters and new audiences. I’m really grateful for this tour, and I can’t wait to spread joy and entertainment through our performances. I am looking forward to making new memories for sure” – Shabana Azmi
Shabana Azmi adds, “Broken Images has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career. Girish Karnad’s writing gives me a canvas to explore emotions and conflicts that are universal yet deeply personal. This is my second North American tour with the play, and I am thrilled to be back with this grand production alongside Prria Haider, who has been such a strong supporter of Indian theatre abroad. I look forward to sharing this journey once again, offering audiences in the USA and Canada a glimpse of Indian artistry and talent through this unforgettable narrative, and I hope the play will leave a lasting impression and spark conversations long after the curtain falls.”
The North America tour will commence on 25th September 2025 in Connecticut, before traveling to Chicago on 26th September, the Bay Area on 27th September, and Vancouver on 28th September. In October, the production will continue in Raleigh on 2nd October, Boston on 3rd October, New York on 4th October, and conclude in Toronto on 5th October 2025.
The Broken Images 2025 North American tour is more than just a play, it’s a chance to witness the magic of her timeless acting, which continues to inspire and transcend generations.