about
BIOGRAPHY
India Zahra Lyell is an individual of the Homo Sapiens. While she’s searching for what it means to be human, words flow from her fingertips. Darkness wrapped in a box of chocolates, or slapped on the table like raw meat. She weaves this with an addiction to freedom and thus serves a collection of honest films, poems and DJ sets.
The British/German director was born and raised in Amsterdam, where she found herself entwined in and inspired by the counterculture. In 2019 India was absorbed into the core of the internationally performing interdisciplinary show Lady Joker, where she currently works as a producer, writer and performer. India’s most recent work, RED LINES WHITE LINES FINE LINES (2022), is a perfect illustration of her current style: dark and deep, but make it elegant. This poetic piece premiered at CPH:DOX 2022 (Copenhagen International Documentary Film Festival) and has been screened at film festivals worldwide.
Her poetry was recently featured on “Love Junkie”, Sem Kramer’s debut album, and “Love Song for a Demon”, Lady Joker’s debut EP.
EDUCATION
2021 european film college
2024 liberal arts & sciences (honours) at maastricht university
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Lady Joker is an interdisciplinary company that combines Original Electronic Music, Theatre & Dance, Live Vocals & Poetry, Video Art and Outrageous Costumes. They bring stories from the uncharted corners of the human mind and present them within a surreal multiverse. Blur the lines between audience and artist, stirring up genuine exchanges of emotions.
They have performed and hosted stages at events such as Lowlands (NL), Paradiso (NL), Mysteryland (NL), Wildeburg (NL), Into the Woods (NL), Amsterdam Dance Event (NL), Château Perché (FR), Kater Blau (DE), Renate (DE), Irma und Paul (CH), Tengu Shokudo (JP), Sziget Festival (HU) and Burning Man (USA).
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India Zahra is one half of the hybrid duo Lady Joker. They share a passion for the tunes Shazam can’t find. From slow and sexy with jazz and soul undertones, to deep, emotional and melodic techno, Lady Joker shuffles the decks. Releases include Love Song for a Demon EP on Krooks Records, alongside storing a collection of unreleased originals for secret appearances in sets. They play on digital/usb, vinyl and hybrid live.
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India is no stranger to both the stage and the silver screen, having performed in musicals from a young age. She has featured in film as both lead and support.