Can I Make you A Suit, Mate? is the story of a Sindhi man, whose family fled from riots and violence, saw the partition of British India into India and Pakistan and were forced out of their homes to build a life in Singapore.
It is, in a way, every immigrants story, told through the lens of a friendly tailor, trying to sell you a suit.
Stand-up comedian Rishi Budhrani, who will present the show at The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre @ Wild Rice from Oct 23 to 27, said such a story – and format – has never been previously attempted in Singapore.
The narrative is loosely based on his father Prakash Budhrani, a tailor better known as Jimmy to his clients, who moved to Singapore in the 1960s.
With the help of photos to transport the audience to that time period, it narrates a story of hardship and hard work.
“I reckon this is one of the subject matters which is both timely and timeless,” Rishi told tabla!. “And that’s why, even two years after its first staging, it is still a relevant and exciting topic for me to tackle and for the audience to enjoy.”
The first run of this show was at The Esplanade’s Kalaa Utsavam Indian Festival of the Arts in 2022. It played over two shows to a small audience.
“And it sold out very fast, so a lot of people missed it,” said Rishi. “It received a lot of positive feedback and requests for re-runs from the audience. I believe in creative democracy, so I’m giving the people what they want.”
Can I Make you A Suit, Mate? is a departure from Rishi’s regular stand-up comedy shows as it combines elements of theatre, storytelling and improvisation with the audience, in addition to the jokes. The format remains the same from the first run – some minor tweaks notwithstanding – but it will be staged in a bigger theatre.
“I’ve really enjoyed the process, and want to share it with a wider audience,” said Rishi, who was the first stand-up comedian invited to host the National Day Parade in 2022.
According to The Straits Times, which reviewed the show at The Esplanade, the comic appeared unafraid to poke fun at himself through the eyes of his father. Rishi made quips about his career choice and how he uses anecdotes about Jimmy as material for his stand-up routines.
In between stories of Jimmy settling down in Singapore and becoming a tailor, a deeper narrative unfolded – of Rishi’s immense admiration for him. Though the show is rife with humour and sarcastic remarks, it is ultimately a way for Rishi to honour his father.
He jokes about Jimmy living in a tiny room with his family and several cockroaches, but it is mixed with pride for how his father rose from his humble beginnings.
Rishi, the voice of Sammy in the award-winning Netflix animated series Downstairs, said he didn’t follow in his father’s footsteps because “he did not want me to”.
“He kept me away from the retail trade and wanted me to study and become a professional – a lawyer, doctor, engineer. Look what happened – I became a professional comedian,” he said.
Can I Make You A Suit, Mate? actually conveys the message that there is no one-size fits all when it comes to building a life and pursuing your dreams.
“We all have the ability to tailor-make our lives and keep making adjustments along the way,” Rishi said. “So, custom-make your own suit of life and wear it proudly. Only you know how wonderfully it fits you.”
