FOR years Pravesh Kumar was keeping a deep, dark, secret from his family. While his mother Nirmala believed he was enrolled on a computer studies course, the reality was very different.
“I kept up the pretence for three years,” laughs Pravesh, 42, from Watford. “The truth was that I was studying theatre.
“When I finally broke the news to my mum, she was shocked, I think she thought I needed exorcising, that I would grow out of it.
“It’s such a taboo for Asians to work as professionals in the arts and I think that’s to do with being part of an immigrant community – our parents want us to have safe jobs. There’s that eternal joke about us all being doctors, dentists, pharmacists and accountants.
“I think they want us to be achievers and being in the arts is seen as a risky career.”
According to Pravesh, artistic director of award-winning theatre company Rifco Arts, his is a familiar story.
Perhaps it’s not surprising then that his new show, Break the Floorboards at Watford Palace Theatre, focuses on a teenage boy’s struggles to become a dancer in the face of an unsupportive family.
“Like a lot of our work, Break the Floorboards came about from conversations with the community, our core audience,” explain Pravesh, who has been behind hit shows including Britain’s Got Bhangra.
“We wanted to really talk about young people who aspire to work in the arts. This show is about a young boy who wants to be a dancer, he’s British Asian, from the Muslim community, and it’s set in any small town in Britain where the recession has hit.
“He has to deal with a disapproving family, peer pressure, two left feet and an impending fascist march.
“It’s a comedy, but with serious undertones. It’s not preachy or serious, it’s not too heavy, it’s always light-hearted. It’s a piece of family entertainment that has some important political issues to make you think and there’s lots of dancing.
“As an artistic piece of work we’ve fused the drama with the dance, there’s a lot of different things the audience can take away from it.”
Combining Bollywood with street dance, Pravesh admitted this production has been a challenge, as he hasn’t directed a show centred on dance before.
Nonetheless, he is certain the production will appeal to all and hopes Break the Floorboards will help shatter some taboos within the Asian community.
And on the opening night his biggest fan will be there to support him.
“Everyone will be able to spot my mum,” he laughs, “she’ll be in the blingiest sari, having a great time.”
l Break the Floorboards is at Watford Palace Theatre, Clarendon Road, from May 3 until May 11. Details: 01923 225671 or www.watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk