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

  • “Going Out”: Humorous & Heartfelt Memories thru a COVID Lens—at The Marsh
  • “The Government Inspector”: Classic Comedy Mocks Corrupt Officials—at Ross Valley
  • “Our Town”: Small Town Charm Exposes Need for Change—at Center REP
  • “Octet” Invites Musical Escape from Internet Tyranny—at Berkeley Rep
  • “PrEP Play, or Blue Parachute”: Packed with Plots and Passions—at NCTC
  •  “Allegiance”: A Musical that Entertains & Instructs—at Palo Alto Players
  • “Crowns” Spotlights African American Perseverance—at CCCT
  • “Drowning in Cairo” Plumbs Depths of Homophobia—at Golden Thread
  • “The Incrementalist”—A Tender, Illuminating View of Compromise—at Aurora
  •  “One Flea Spare”: Praiseworthy Experiment Pays Off—at Main Stage West
  • “Endlings” Unnerves with Extinction Nightmares—at Oakland Theater Project
  • “Gem of the Ocean”: A Mighty Cruise to African Epiphany—at TheatreWorks   
  • “Native Gardens” Bloom into Millennial vs. Boomer Battles—at Left Edge
  • “Fefu and Her Friends” Introduces Us to Eight Extraordinary Women—at ACT 
  • “Hotter Than Egypt” Forges Comedy from Marital & Political Revolt—at MTC

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
© 2022   All Rights Reserved.