Indian dance group recreates epic story

Viridiana Diaz
Special to the Hornet
Published Online October 6, 1999

"Mahabharatan: A Dance Drama," featuring a 25-member music and dance troupe from India, Bharata Kalanjali, and the Dhananjayans, will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, at Natomas High School Theatre, 3301 Roslin Blvd.

The Mahabharatan is considered one of the oldest epics of the Indian subcontinent. "The story itself revolves around two warring sets of cousins and a game of dice. Five brothers and their wives lose a game of dice to their cousins, and are banished for 14 years," according to Van Der, a sophomore music major. Having been humiliated at their loss, they gather support and friendship from other kingdoms and finally win the 18-day battle with their cousins to regain the throne.

"The story line is quite simple but the presentation and the performance is very good, not mentioning a great cultural experience, " Van Der said.

Advance tickets can be purchased from the Central Ticket Office, $15 general/ $12 students, 278-4323.