Following the stunning success of The Suit, which played to standing ovations and sold-out houses at American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) in 2014, legendary director Peter Brook returns to A.C.T. with Battlefield. Thirty years after Brook’s groundbreaking adaptation of the Indian epic The Mahabharata, the director has created an intimate new interpretation and staging of this timeless tale in perhaps his finest work. A newly crowned king surveys a post-war battlefield-his army has won him the crown, but at what price? Written almost 2,500 years ago, the Mahabharata’s magical story of finding tranquility in the midst of war and destruction has striking connections to modern times, and has inspired some of Brook’s most beautiful images and most transformative theatrical moments.
Press night will be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. Single tickets (ranging from $20-$105) are available at the A.C.T. Box Office at 415.749.2228 or online at www.act-sf.org. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice. The cast of Battlefield features Carole Karemera (through 5/16), Jared McNeill, Ery Nzaramba, Sean O’Callaghan, and Toshi Tsuchitori (musician). Karen Aldridge joins the cast beginning 5/17.
Says Perloff: “One of the seminal experiences of my theater-going life was experiencing eight hours of Peter Brook‘s The Mahabharata at Brooklyn Academy Of Music in the early 1980’s. The depth and breadth of Brook’s vision astonished me–both his ability to see the world from an epic, grand perspective and at the same time to render every emotional detail and every psychological gesture absolutely specific and totally human.
Peter Brook‘s work was what introduced me to theater to begin with, and I still go back to his brilliant little book “The Empty Space” whenever I want to remind myself about why we do what we do. Bringing Battlefield to the Geary for our 50th Anniversary season is a gift come true and a reminder of the essence of theater and why it continues to matter.”
Adapted and directed by Peter Brook and Marie-Hélène Estienne, the creative team for Battlefield includes Toshi Tsuchitori (Music), Oria Puppo (Costumes), and Philippe Vialatte(Lighting).
In connection with Battlefield, A.C.T. will offer numerous InterACT events-presented free of charge-that will give patrons opportunities to get closer to the action while having an entire night out at the theater. Visit act-sf.org/interact to learn more about subscribing to these events throughout the season: Titled “Battlefield,” the new drama explores the uncertain future of a post-world war, and will be staged at the American Conservatory Theater’s Geary Theater in San Francisco, Calif., through May 21.
In the 70-minute drama, which is adapted and directed by Brook and his collaborator Marie-Hélène Estienne, a newly crowned king surveys a post-war battlefield — his army has won him the crown, but at what price? Written almost 2,500 years ago, the Mahabharata’s magical story of finding tranquility in the midst of war and destruction has striking connections to modern times, and has inspired some of Brook’s most beautiful images and most transformative theatrical moments. For tickets and more information, visit www.act-sf.org or call on (415)749-2228.