Performers during rehearsals for a new version of the Indian epic the Mahabharata.-- Photo courtesy of Japan Foundation

HA NOI (VNS)— The Indian epic the Mahabharata will be staged by performing artists from Japan, Malaysia and Cambodia on July 16 in Ha Noi in a show that focuses on actions over language to tell the story.

The ancient Indian epic originally written in Sanskrit has been regarded as the Hindu Bible, the resource of Indian philosophy, morals, politics and law. It is the story of a dynastic struggle that provides a social, moral and cosmological background to a climactic battle.

Regarded as a treasure house of ancient wisdom and a profound exploration of human nature, this production of the Mahabharata is led by Japanese director Hiroshi Koike.

Koike, president of the Japan-based Performing Arts Institute, has directed 55 theatrical shows and built a solid reputation through his work with artists around the world.

In 2012 he closed his theatre company and launched the Hiroshi Koike Bridge Project, which aims to unite people from different countries through the performing arts.

The play Mahabharata will be presented as a part of his project, in co-operation with Cambodia's Amrita Performing Arts and the Japan Foundation Centre for Cultural Exchange in Viet Nam.

The characters in the story will be performed mainly by Cambodian actors skilled at traditional dance, backed by Japanese and Malaysian dancers. Each performer will play several roles by changing masks. The story will be delivered mainly through physical movements along with some music and a summary of the story on a screen.

The play will be presented for free at the Tuoi Tre (Youth) Theatre, 11 Ngo Thi Nham, Ha Noi, in celebration of 40 years of ASEAN – Japan Friendship and Co-operation as well as the Japan - Viet Nam Friendship Year 2013.

Free tickets can be collected at the Japan Foundation, 27 Quang Trung Street, Ha Noi. -- VNS