Following its critically acclaimed runs on major world stages, Canadian Stage concludes its 24-25 season with the Toronto premiere presentation of Why Not Theatre’s two-part epic, MAHABHARATA, a once-in-a-generation theatrical experience of unparalleled ambition and scale from some of the country’s most innovative and inspiring artistic voices.
MAHABHARATA is written and adapted by Ravi Jain and Miriam Fernandes, with poetic contributions from Carole Satyamurti’s Mahabharata: A Modern Retelling. The story of a family feud between the Pandava and Kaurava clans and the devastating war that ensues, the play is a profound exploration of enduring philosophical and spiritual ideas set against an entrenched conflict that remains tragically relevant today.
Presented in two parts, MAHABHARATA features an illustrious all-South Asian diaspora cast including Shawn Ahmed, Neil D’Souza, Jay Emmanuel, Miriam Fernandes, Ravin J. Ganatra, Darren Kuppan, Anaka Maharaj-Sandhu, Goldy Notay, Ellora Patnaik, Meher Pavri, Sakuntala Ramanee, Ronica Sajnani, Ishan Sandhu, Navtej Sandhu, Munish Sharma, Arun Varma, and Sukania Venugopal.
In lead up to the show’s Toronto premiere, I spoke with soprano/performer Meher Pavri to hear more about her involvement in this epic performance.
MAHABHARATA: Parts 1 & 2 runs through April 27 at the Bluma Appel Theatre in Toronto. Performance schedule and tickets are available at canadianstage.com.
