Review: MAHABHARATA: PART 2 DHARMA - THE LIFE WE CHOOSE at National Arts Centre

OTTAWA

Last week I saw the first part of Why Not Theatre’s Mahabharata at the National Arts Centre, an epic play based on an ancient Sanskrit story. Part 1 - The Life We Inherit introduced us to the many characters, built up tensions and rivalry, and prepared us for the inevitable clan war to come. I was captivated by the immersive storytelling experience, the complexity of the characters, and the use of traditional dance to supplement the narrative. Nearly a week later, I wasn’t sure if Mahabharata: Part 2 Dharma - The Life We Choose would be able to recapture the magic. 

The cast of Mahabharata. Photo by David Cooper.

The moment the curtain rose, I was back in front of the fire in ancient India and immediately re-immersed in the tale woven by the storyteller (Miriam Fernandes, associate director and co-playwright with Ravi Jain).

At the outset of Mahabharata: Part 2, the Pandavas are at the end of a thirteen-year exile and intend to reclaim their half of the kingdom, preferably while maintaining peace. Their Kaurava cousin, Duryodhana (Arun Varma), refuses to cede despite multiple entreaties by Krishna (Neil D’Souza), King Dhritarashtra (Ravin J. Ganatra), and Bhishma (Sukania Venugopal). It becomes apparent that war and bloodshed will be the only way to resolve this conflict.

Read my full review here.