New Delhi, September 18, 2024: JAYA – The Victory, a groundbreaking rock opera in English, brings the monumental events of the Mahabharata to life through a visually stunning and musically rich production. Directed and produced by the celebrated theatre personality Lillete Dubey, and featuring a specially composed two-hour original music score by Ashutosh Phatak, JAYA is a modern retelling of India’s greatest epic. The show combines rock music, mantras, Kaliripattu, Kathak, and Krishna’s flute to create a captivating and dynamic theatrical experience.
Music as Storytelling
Dubey shares her excitement about the project, saying, “Primetime is interested in showcasing original work from India, and as someone deeply passionate about both music and theatre, a musical version of the Mahabharata, especially one so brilliantly written by Sandip Kanjilal and condensed in a contemporary way for modern audiences, was a thrilling and challenging project. The music by Ashutosh Phatak is extraordinary, and we’ve incorporated Kaliripattu for the physical movements and war sequences, along with mantras, to retain the Indian essence.”
A Story for Modern Audiences
Dubey emphasizes the balance between the Mahabharata’s complexity and the need to engage today’s audience: “One of the best things about JAYA is how the script distills the core of the story in all its dimensions – philosophical, dramatic, spiritual, and emotional – in just two hours. Audiences, particularly younger ones, have been amazed by how powerfully the play conveys the key elements through extraordinary live singing and stunning visuals.”
Blending Myth and Modernity
The title JAYA refers to ‘victory,’ the original name of the Mahabharata. Dubey highlights the play’s contemporary relevance, explaining, “It’s both exciting and challenging to blend myth and modernity, and to merge the epic’s timeless themes with today’s realities. The themes of power and greed in the Mahabharata resonate even now, as seen in global conflicts like Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Palestine.”
Musical Energy and Audience Engagement
The rock musical format infuses the production with energy, intensity, and momentum. Dubey notes, “JAYA’s rock style injects a dynamic rhythm and tension throughout the play. The powerful singing draws the audience in emotionally, making it a moving and unforgettable experience that resonates with today’s generation.”
JAYA – The Victory! is a bold and innovative fusion of myth and modernity, presenting India’s timeless epic through a contemporary lens while staying true to its roots. It promises to captivate audiences of all ages, combining philosophy, drama, and high-energy music in an extraordinary celebration of one of the world’s greatest tales.
