Geetha Reddy’s play, ‘The Employee Dharma Handbook,’ explores workplace discrimination through humor, highlighting the complexities of caste and gender in a contemporary setting.
Geetha Reddy’s thought-provoking play, ‘The Employee Dharma Handbook,’ made a significant impact at the 2025 New Works Festival at TheatreWorks. This year, under the direction of Snehal Desai, it celebrated its world premiere on June 9, 2026, at the Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto.
The narrative centers on Leela, portrayed by Megan Suri, a talented Indian-American engineer serving as the Propulsion Systems Manager at an aerospace company. As she prepares for an upcoming space launch, she grapples with feelings of disillusionment after her colleague Baasu, played by Kunal Dudhekar, an Indian immigrant known for his social quirks, is promoted to Director of Propulsion Systems by their boss, Krish (Kapil Talwarkar), who is also an Indian immigrant.
Leela’s frustration stems from her belief that she has been overlooked due to discrimination. The arrival of Val, the EVP of Human Resources Operations portrayed by Kathryn Smith-McGlynn, adds another layer to the narrative. Val, a Black American, navigates her own experiences with discrimination while attempting to address the complexities of caste within the workplace.
Reddy’s play draws inspiration from real-life incidents in Silicon Valley that highlight caste-focused discrimination. One notable case involved a lawsuit filed in 2000 against two Cisco engineers, where a third engineer alleged discrimination based on caste, claiming he was passed over for promotions. After extensive interviews, the case was ultimately dismissed by the State of California’s Civil Rights Department.
Another incident that influenced the play was the 2022 cancellation of a talk by Dalit scholar Thenmozhi Soundararajan at Google, following complaints from Hindu-American groups. This event underscored the ongoing challenges faced by Dalits, who have historically experienced oppression and discrimination in India.
The cast of ‘The Employee Dharma Handbook’ is entirely composed of people of color, including Indian immigrants, an Indian American, and Val, who represents the intersection of race and gender discrimination. This diverse representation is refreshing, particularly in a tech landscape often dominated by male figures. Reddy’s choice to feature women in leadership roles, such as the CTO, reflects a welcome shift in narrative within the industry.
The play also delves into themes of queerness and the pressures of South Asian heteronormativity, adding depth to its exploration of identity.
The performances are commendable, with Kunal Dudhekar and Ranjita Chakravarty, who plays C.K., excelling in both physical and verbal comedy. Their ability to infuse humor into serious topics is a testament to their talent. Val’s character balances the enforcement of corporate policies with an understanding of the cultural nuances surrounding caste, while Leela and Krish embody the gravity of the subject matter.
Dr. Sukanya Chakrabarti, Associate Chair of Theatre Arts at San Jose State University, served as the cultural dramaturg for the play. She emphasized the importance of her role in helping the cast navigate the historical and cultural nuances of the caste system. Her guidance extended to ensuring authentic portrayals of Indian English and advising on cultural gestures, enhancing the overall sensitivity of the production.
A recurring symbol in the play is the broom, which historically represented the oppression of Dalits. It serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles for equality, particularly as it is integrated into a wedding dress, raising questions about societal progress.
The play poses critical questions regarding the motivations behind workplace promotions and the implications of caste bias. As the story unfolds, the audience is left to ponder whether Leela’s promotion was hindered by her gender or caste, and whether Baasu’s rise was influenced by his Brahmin status or his connections within the tech community.
The conclusion of the play elicited mixed reactions from the audience. Some felt that the resolution oversimplified complex issues, prompting reflections on how prominent Dalit voices might interpret the narrative.
Despite the varied responses, the play successfully sparks conversations about gender and caste equality. Leela’s determination to pursue her dreams in space research, despite the obstacles she faces, offers a hopeful and empowering conclusion.
To further engage with the themes presented, the program includes a reading list curated by the playwright, featuring works such as Suraj Yengde’s ‘Caste Matters,’ which would be a valuable addition for those interested in exploring these issues more deeply.
‘The Employee Dharma Handbook’ will be performed at the Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto from July 8 to August 2, 2026, promising to continue its exploration of workplace dynamics and the challenges of discrimination.
According to India Currents, the play’s unique blend of humor and serious subject matter makes it a must-see for those interested in contemporary social issues.