USA
June 3, 2002 VNN7363
Mahabharata - Finally
BY BHAKTA WALLACE DORIAN
USA, Jun 3 (VNN) — The Vedic Theatre company in conjunction with the Gorilla Theatre of Kansas City, Missouri is proud to announce the premiere of the "Mahabharata" in the summer of 2003. To our knowledge, this is the first time in America a non-devotional theatre company is becoming directly involved with a devotional play. Opening night is to benefit the Rupanuga Vedic College. Please read the interview below:
"MAHABHARATA" - THE INTERVIEW
By Barbara Kowal
Kansas City, USA - What this country needs is a good VEDIC THEATRE COMPANY, and Wallace Dorian thinks he's found it. Desiring to bring the ancient classics of India to life in an entertaining and dramatic way, he formed THE VEDIC THEATRE COMPANY. The "Vedas" are ancient Sanskrit texts millenia old and contain both metaphorical and spiritual subject matter applicable to all cultures. Some of the most famous epics include the "RAMAYANA" by Valmiki.
Deciding which play to do first, Mr. Dorian came across an old 1987 video of a two-man adaptation of the "MAHABHARATA" that was at once innovative and powerful. "It held my attention from beginning to end. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. It was totally mesmerizing and very absorbing.", Dorian says. "I had seen many versions Including Peter Brooks ten-hour film but it was too long and American audiences found it difficult to understand."
The play, originally adapted and performed in New York City in 1987 by Sankirtana das and the late Locamangala das had only two male actors (the adapters themselves) playing eight roles and it ran two hours. Mr. Dorian took a trip to meet one of the original adapters, and the rest is history. Mr. Dorian felt that the play should get wide exposure rather than be hidden from the public just gathering dust.
"Right now there is a cultural revolution and these types of Vedic dramas have a wide audience appeal if done professionally." With this in mind, Mr. Dorian decided what he needed was a much stronger light, set and sound design. Two years in the planning, the play will premiere in Kansas City, Missouri in the summer of 2003 in conjunction with the Gorilla Theatre Company, also known for it's classic productions and considered a very innovative theatre company itself for the past twelve years in the Kansas City area.
Mr. Dorian brings many years of stage and film experience to the project. "I started out as an actor and then turned to writing and directing because I liked the technical end. Keeping costs down and making it accessible to the public is the key" he says. "Audiences are waiting for something new."
Mr. Dorian also says, "We hope that with the success of this play we can go on to do more elaborate productions, even go to Broadway in New York City." But for that venture Mr. Dorian says it will cost much more money. In fact, Mr. Dorian is currently seeking entreprenuers and investors willing to take risks for this and other future projects. And he adds, "The potential is very great now for investors to make their money back and show a profit. No matter how bad the economy, people need entertainment. So why not Krishna conscious entertainment?"
In closing, Mr. Dorian says, "There is no doubt in my mind that the time is right for this type of transcendental drama in a big way. It cuts across all social and political boundaries and it's something the people can enjoy in an emotional manner. This "Mahabharata" is easily understood and moves swiftly with plenty of action. I see this Mahabharata with powerful warriors, ksatriyas. They weren't wimps." His next project?
"Well, doing the life of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and the stories from the Srimad-Bhagavatam that could be done in the same manner, structure-wise as Mahabharata would be nice. This would be an ambitious undertaking. Time will tell."
Those wishing to contact Mr. Dorian may do so through his website or email him at: maha@reelmind.com
Contact VNN about this story Send this story to a friend This story URL: http://vaishnava-news-network.org/usa/US0206/US03-7363.html
NEWS DESK | USA | TOP
Surf the Web on
|
