The War is the depiction of the battle between the two brotherhoods of the Pandavas and Kauravas, with the former group representing truth and compassion while the latter clan displaying greed and deceit. [break]
The play starts with the portrayal of the isolation of these two brotherhoods wherein the Pandavas humbly greet their revered seniors who now have taken the side of their first cousins, the Kauravas. Following the greetings, both sides proclaim the rules of the battle that is set to start the next day.
As the play progresses, human emotions such as wit, anger, fear and redemption are expressed very clearly.
Though many of the scenes in the play are associated with the previous parts, a first-time spectator of the entire Mahabharata series will have no problem in comprehending such connections, as the explanations and references in the dialogues are extremely lucid.
The play will definitely surprise every spectator, as, unlike in the television series, the characters in the play are not overwhelmingly embellished, and there is even no physical presence of castles, chariots and the rusty battlefield.
Photo: Keshab Thoker/Republica
However, the effective portrayal of the respective character by every individual actor along with the spooky live music played before every battle transports every viewer into the world of battle.
Meanwhile, in the emerging trend of dramatizing stories based on foreign culture, Kathmandu University High School has just contrasted such trend by depicting a story that is culturally significant for a majority of the Nepalis.
Speaking about this cause, director of the play, Ian Raitt, mentioned, “The Mahabharata is a part of the ancient culture in this part of the world.”
The entire play is the theatrical representation of the epic of Mahabharata, as adapted by Jean-Claude Carriere and Peter Brook. The three-hour play was being presented at Theatre Village, Lazimpat, till September 7, with every show starting at 5:30 PM.
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