The Mahabharata is a Sanskrit epic, the story of a divided family whose conflict results in a catastrophic war that ends the world. It is over 4,000 years old with more than 100,000 verses that shape many of the myths and philosophies of Indian culture. To this day, the stories are told in the kitchens and temples of more than 1 billion people of India, as well as its diaspora around the world.
Why Not Theatre’s large-scale retelling stars a cast that is comprised entirely of the South Asian diaspora, and highlights the hybrid of cultures through the storytelling, balancing East and West, traditional and contemporary.
Why Not Theatre is an agile, international theatre company based in Toronto that is rooted in the values of innovation, community and collaboration. Its work is inventive, cross-cultural, and reflects its passion for the exploration of difference. Why Not challenges the status quo, by examining what stories are being told, and who is telling them. More than just a theatre company, Why Not develops creative strategies to build a healthier and stronger arts ecology.
Touring inquiries: Kelly Read
Kelly@theatrewhynot.org
The National Creation Fund’s investment of $225,000 will allow Why Not Theatre to bring together the international cast, musicians and the creative team for several extended workshops to collectively develop the three parts of the large-scale project.
Canada Council for the Arts’ New Chapter Program, Shaw Festival, Wuchien Michael Than Foundation
Developed with support from the National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund.
August 22 to September 19, 2020 : Festival Theatre (Niagara-on-the-Lake), presented by the Shaw Festival - postponed