MAHABHARATA

Director: Peter Brook

5h 18 mins (1989-1990) PG

In ancient India the five Pandava brothers, Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva, are cousins to the Kaurava whom are the sons of king Dhritharashtra.   These two groups of cousins form the two opposing factions in Mahabharata the Pandavas and the Kauravas. As the film develops each faction and individuals within the factions become more adept and skilled for example in archery and each faction strives for power.   Jealousy therefore becomes inevitable in their relationship, with a crux point hit when the Pandava turn a barren wasteland King Dhritharashtra gives them into a great court.  War is next.

The film is a recording of the 3 part play Peter Brook created with the company Bouffe du Nord.  The play in its 9 hour form played in the old tram shed in South Glasgow in 1988 and they created a simple brick proscenium in what was a large empty space to create the stage area.  This space today is now The Tramway and the brick proscenium is now an integral part of this theatre.

Mahabharata won an Emmy in 1990 for Performing Arts and this ancient tale has echoes of the story-lines in many heroic and now block-buster films, rivalry, war, romance and the founding of civilisation.

Cast in brief: Erika Alexander – 3 episodes / Maurice Benichou – 3 episodes / Amba Bihler – 3 episodes / Lou Bihler – 3 episodes / Urs Bihler – 3 episodes.