Pauline Bayle, the director of the Théâtre Public de Montreuil, has adapted the Mahabharata, one of the longest and most important epics in Indian literature and mythology. Her version, which lasts three hours and is split into two parts, offers a stark contrast to Peter Brook's earlier, nine-hour adaptation from the 1970s. Bayle, working with French-Indian poet and dramaturge Karthika Naïr, has focused on the story of the young members of the Kuru clan, divided into two branches: the Pandava and the Kaurava. The adaptation explores the growing tensions and the unending cycle of violence that ultimately leads to the downfall of an entire world.
Bayle’s staging includes a central ring of sand, symbolizing the battlefield where cousins, who take turns being both oppressors and victims, confront each other. The set design, lighting by Mathilde Chamoux, and electronic music by Maria Laurent and Guillaume Bachelé create a tense and immersive atmosphere. The cast, made up entirely of female actors, delivers powerful and physically demanding performances, with Nach and Jenna Thiam standing out for their intensity and emotional depth.
The production brings together a wide range of collaborators, including set designers, costume designers, puppeteers, and sound technicians. It has been produced by the Théâtre Public de Montreuil and co-produced by several national theaters across France. The play will tour multiple venues from September 2026 through April 2027, offering audiences a chance to experience this reimagined version of a classic story.
Pauline Bayle's Adaptation of the Mahabharata Explores Themes of Violence
AI-rewritten from original reportingHow it works
mahabharatatheatre-adaptationviolencefemale-castpauline-bayle
Original sources:
- 🇫🇷Sceneweb



