New York: Lincoln Center presents a two-part adaptation of the classical Hindu text, Mahabharata from June 24-29. Performed by an international South Asian cast and created and directed by Ravi Jain and Miriam Fernandes from acclaimed Canadian theater company Why Not Theatre, the show premiered in 2023 at the Shaw Festival and later toured to the UK’s Barbican and recently appeared at Australia’s Perth Festival.
This once-in-a-generation theatrical experience weaves ancient wisdom with modern spectacle in a visually stunning retelling of the Sanskrit epic. A contemporary take on a story that is over 4,000 years old and foundational to Indian culture, this tale of a family feud is an exploration of profound philosophical and spiritual ideas that are more relevant than ever. The large-scale narrative is told in two distinct parts—Part One: Karma: The Life We Inherit and Part Two: Dharma: The Life We Choose.
(Photo courtesy: www.lincolncenter.org, Photo provided by MichelleTabnickPR)
Throughout the experience, the production undergoes an evolution in storytelling, from the most ancient and intimate to a contemporary and technologically integrated spectacle. Led by an international South Asian cast, Mahabharata presents a hybrid of cultures, balancing East and West, traditional and contemporary.
Directed by Ravi Jain with Associate Director Miriam Fernandes, the set is designed by Lorenzo Savoini. Gillian Gallow designed the costumes and lighting has been designed by Kevin Lamotte. The original music and sound has been provided by John Gzowskiand Suba Sankaran, traditional music consultant is Hasheel Lodhia. The choreography is by Brandy Leary. The Mahabharata Production Manager is Crystal Lee and Lead Producer is Kevin Matthew Wong.
Mahabharata was generously supported by Canada’s National Arts Centre and its National Creation Fund, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity, the Government of Canada, and the Azrieli Foundation.
