Theatrius
  • Now Playing
  • All Reviews
  • Writers
  • Reflections
  • Millennial Notes
  • Join Us
  • About Us
  • Search Icon

Theatrius

Theater Reviews—San Francisco and Beyond

“Mahabharata”—J Jha Infuses Indian Epic with New Life, at Ubuntu, Oakland

“Mahabharata”—J Jha Infuses Indian Epic with New Life, at Ubuntu, Oakland

November 22, 2019 Tanvi Agrawal

Millennial Notes

Geetha Reddy’s Solo Show Illuminates Classic Tales 

by Tanvi Agrawal

Playwright Geetha Reddy takes the vast, ancient Indian epic poem, the “Mahabharata” and transforms it into an impressive one-person show. Inimitable J Jha, the only performer, impressively rattles through story after story—trying to fit thousands of years into a couple of hours. It is a fresh take on old stories that everyone can appreciate.

Reddy and Jha seduce us into the magnificent, familiar stories, making the human element personal to us. We get to watch J perform larger than life characters who undergo hurt, happiness, and surprises. They make the stories feel more familiar than the original allegories.

J Jha (Storyteller). Photos by Carson French.

In black leather jacket and flowing red skirt, J Jha Bewitches us, effortlessly. With a modern, feminist angle, our Storyteller tells us of Princess Draupadi, who is “gambled” away by her foolish husband to dishonorable men. They try to take advantage of her and tug on her sari to unravel it. Reddy and Jha’s contemporary retelling of the story hits with urgency and emphasis, expanding our empathy for the character.

J Jha

Our brave Storyteller then embodies Princess Draupadi praying to Lord Krishna, a supreme God. Draupadi twirls in circles, building momentum until two rolls of golden silk unravel from the ceiling. Jha grabs them, and we behold the breathtaking sight of cloth swirling around the Storyteller, like a golden tornado. The enchanting effect evokes the reversal of time, the rewrapping of Draupadi’s sari, and the restoration of her dignity. We see Draupadi more deeply than ever.

The Storyteller transports us to the world of Kings and Warriors. They treat us like familiars friend, sitting in an empty seat next to us, and making ‘improvised’ remarks. They demolish the “fourth wall,” pulling us headfirst into the magical tales.

J Jha

The Storyteller jokingly rebukes us for what we think we know about the “Mahabharata.” Captivated, we all love Arjuna, the warrior Prince, but Storyteller cheekily claims that he, too, has four wives in secret.

Jha and Reddy make the classic Indian epic new and fresh. Jha accomplishes the impossible by becoming vast armies, in himself.  “Mahabharata” offers intelligent writing, superb acting, and classic Indian stories—a unique and enchanting solo show.

J Jha

“Mahabharata” by Geetha Reddy, directed by Michael Socrates Moran, by Ubuntu Theater Project, Oakland, through Sunday, December 8, 2019.  Info: ubuntutheaterproject

Cast: J Jha


Millennial Notes, Plays, solo shows
Colonialism, Dance, Family, gender, Identity, Imperialism, justice, love, marriage, patriarchy, power, Romance, social class

Post navigation

NEXT
“Mother of the Maid”—Heroic Epic of Mother Love, at MTC, Mill Valley
PREVIOUS
“Cloud 9”–A Sexual Romp in Colonialism, at Custom Made, S.F.
Comments are closed.

Menu

  • Now Playing
  • All Reviews
  • Writers
  • Reflections
  • Millennial Notes
  • Join Us
  • About Us

BLM

Black Lives Matter

Current Shows

  • “Shadow/Land”—Black Women Stranded by Race/Storm–Streaming Public, NY
  • “The Waste Land” Refreshed at Oakland’s Drive-in Stage—Streaming OTP
  • “Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye” Exposes a Black Girl’s Abuse—Streaming Aurora
  • “Trouble in Mind” Liberates Black Lives on Broadway—Streaming ACT
  • “My Name is … Johnny Cash” Rocks & Rolls—Streaming 6th Street
  • “Bird on a Tree Branch” Explores Secrets of the Patriarchy—Streaming Phoenix
  • “[hieroglyph]” Exposes U.S. Racism & Sexual Violence—Streaming SF Playhouse
  • “The Art of Sacrifice”: A Venomous Mother-Daughter Match—Streaming Remote
  • “Interlude” Rewinds a Gay Black Artist’s Life During Covid—Streaming NCTC 
  • “Thom Pain” Explores Angst & Self-Doubt—Streaming Los Altos Stage   
  • “Strange Courtesies” Climaxes Black History Month—Streaming The Stage
  • “Lone Mountain” Tour Reveals Gay Side—Streaming Rhino
  • “Binding Ties” Shines Migrant Stories on Rail Station—Streaming Oakland
  • “Smithtown” Awakes Us to Tech Tragedy—Streaming Key West
  • “Fairfield” Elementary Unhinged over Black History—Streaming The Pear

About us:

If you want to see the best plays & performances around the San Francisco Bay or beyond, read our reviews. We promise to give you a true report on the best shows.
Bay Area Critics Circle

Barry David Horwitz, Editor of Theatrius, is a Voting Member of the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics' Circle, SFBATCC. Follow us on: facebook.com

Subscribe for upcoming reviews!
Loading
© 2021   All Rights Reserved.