Mahabharata

Why Not Theatre's large-scale production of the Mahabharata brings together a cast of performers from the South Asian diaspora, blending cultures and art forms in a spectacular production at the Shaw Festival and the Barbican Theatre in London. The play spans generations and explores philosophical and spiritual questions relevant to today's divided world, including the search for wholeness, the consequences of repeating mistakes, and the possibility of building a new world. The production features the full text of the play, behind-the-scenes materials, and a Mahabharata family tree.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 19 September 2023
Publisher: Coach House Books

Why Not Theatre's large-scale, once-in-a-generation retelling of the Mahabharata brings together a cast of performers entirely from the South Asian diaspora, blending cultures and art forms in a spectacular production at the Shaw Festival and the Barbican Theatre in London. Over two parts (Karma and Dharma) and a communal meal (Khana), this translation and adaptation of the Mahabharata spans generations and takes audiences into the hearts and minds of some of the most complex and enduring characters ever created. With warring families and devious revenge plots, the Mahabharata tells the story of an ancient feud with philosophical and spiritual questions that are no less urgent today. In times of division, how do we find wholeness? Are we destined to repeat the mistakes of our ancestors? And how can we build a new world when we have nearly destroyed this one?

Contains the full text of the play along with materials opening up the behind-the-scenes world of the production, including interviews with the creators, background and context about the source material, production photographs, a Mahabharata family tree, and glossary. Ravi Jain and Miriam Fernandes' contemporary take on the Mahabharata is one of the most beautiful, emotional journeys I have had the privilege to witness. It is inspiring, mind-broadening, and speaks to all the senses. It even brings you back to the origins of theatre itself, when people would gather in the quarries around a bonfire to tell stories. With their tasteful use of technology, dance, and opera, the 4,000-year-old Sanskrit poem comes to life and feels more universal than ever. A captivating theatre experience, from the first flame to the final blaze.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 145 x 223 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781552454756