Latest news with #Mahabharata
The Sun
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
27th Bangkok Festivals: A World-Class Spectacle in Thailand
BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 June 2025 - Get ready for a world-class spectacle like no other—right here in Thailand. Bangkok's 27th International Festival of Dance & Music is making a grand comeback, bringing 14 stunning performances from over 10 countries across the globe. This year's lineup is nothing short of legendary—with the Thai debut of Plácido Domingo, the iconic opera superstar. And that's just the beginning. Brace yourself for Mahabharata: 18 Days, Dusk of an Era – an epic tale from India, A Dream of Red Mansions – breathtaking Chinese ballet, Tosca and Aida – powerful operatic masterpieces, dazzling Chinese acrobatics, a high-energy dance-meets-tech show from France and much more. The curtain rises from September 6 to October 15, 2025, at the Thailand Cultural Centre's Main Hall. Tickets go on sale June 14, with early bird discounts for one month and an exclusive ' Platinum Package ' available for early access and exclusivity. A once-in-a-lifetime performance in Thailand, Plácido Domingo One of this year's monumental highlights, Plácido Domingo, the legendary opera icon and one of The Three Tenors, will perform in Thailand for the first and only time. With over 150 operatic roles in 4000 performances and 12 Grammy awards, Domingo has redefined opera for global audiences and remains one of the most influential figures in classical music history. This historic night becomes even more extraordinary as he shares the stage with two stars in classical music: Monica Conesa, the radiant American soprano captivating international stages, along with Beatrice Venezi, the groundbreaking Italian conductor hailed as one of the most powerful women in classical music. Together, they will create an unforgettable operatic masterpiece; this is more than a concert; it is a piece of musical history. India's epic Mahabharata comes to life in a dazzling contemporary spectacle For the first time in Thailand, audiences will witness the grandeur of the Mahabharata, India's greatest epic reimagined for the global stage. 'Mahabharata: 18 Days, Dusk of an Era' is a live, large-scale performance by Prabhat Arts International, founded in 1946, a renowned artistic institution known for breathing new life into ancient literature through modern artistic forms. This visually stunning production brings to life the 18-day war between the Pandavas and Kauravas, the cosmic clash of dharma (righteousness) versus adharma (unrighteousness) with a cast of over fifty performers. The show is a gripping infusion of Indian dance, drama and live dialogue with elaborate costumes brought out through levitation, aerial stunts, martial arts and immersive visual effects. Chinese classic reimagined: A Dream of Red Mansions by the National Ballet of China Also taking center stage is the breathtaking ballet interpretation of A Dream of Red Mansions, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of China, originally penned by Cao Xueqin in the 18th century. Often called 'a mirror of Qing Dynasty society,' the story remains one of the most poignant literary works in Chinese history. This year, the acclaimed National Ballet of China reinterprets the tale through the elegance of Western ballet, capturing themes of love, longing, and the inevitable decline of a noble family. More than eighty dancers will bring the tragic love triangle to life with expressive choreography and powerful stage presence. The production arrives in Bangkok with six full containers of set pieces, lighting, and lavish costumes from Beijing, an awe-inspiring fusion of Chinese storytelling and Western ballet tradition, delivered with grace and grandeur on a single stage. Russia's Samara Opera & Ballet Theatre kicks off the festival with 4 grand productions Get ready for an unforgettable second half of The Festival as Russia's prestigious Samara Opera & Ballet Theatre takes the stage in Bangkok with 4 spectacular productions. Renowned for its breathtaking performances and grand-scale productions, the company brings a diverse lineup of opera and ballet masterpieces to Thai audiences. Leading the charge are two legendary operas: Tosca and Aida, timeless tales of love, loss, and power brought to life with stunning sets, soaring vocals, and a cast of over 250 performers. The magic continues with a brand-new production of The Nutcracker made just for their visit to Thailand, Tchaikovsky's beloved Christmas ballet. Rounding off their lineup is the emotionally charged contemporary ballet Three Masks of the King, a dramatic reflection on power, identity, and the courage to embrace one's true self, showcasing the precision and grandeur of Russian ballet at its finest and the only theatre in the world who performs this ballet. Heart-stopping acrobatics and futuristic dance collide The excitement doesn't stop there. This year's festival brings high-octane energy and universal appeal with China National Acrobatic Troupe, performing in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Thai–Chinese diplomatic relations. With over 50 acrobats and more than 74 international gold medals, prepare to be amazed by gravity-defying stunts and jaw-dropping feats of athleticism. Then, step into the future with Pixel, a groundbreaking French production that merges street, hip-hop, roller blading and contemporary dance with state-of-the-art visual technology. Featuring 3D graphics, projection mapping, and interactive special effects, this performance is a visual spectacle that will leave you breathless. Global highlights: from Cuban rhythms to Spanish fire The festival also features an eclectic lineup of international performances, namely, Cuba Vibra!, a vibrant journey through Cuban dance from past to present, Nocturna, a contemporary flamenco performance from Spain, pulsing with passion NINA, a Gatsby-style dance drama paying tribute to female strength and the pursuit of dreams Energy ∞ Infinite, a percussion show that redefines rhythm and movement, and The Prague Philharmonia, one of Europe's top orchestras and a Grammy recipient, will deliver classical brilliance and also features 29 year old American pianist George Li from the Los Angeles Philharmonic. A festival backed by passion and partnership Bangkok's 27th International Festival of Dance & Music is made possible with generous support from the both public and private sector, including AXA Insurance, Bangkok Bank, BMW Thailand, Indorama Ventures, Singha Corporation, Supalai, Swissôtel Bangkok Ratchada, Thai Union Group, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Ministry of Culture. Experience the Festival like never before with Platinum Packages Book your tickets early and get exclusive access to Platinum Packages, a premium experience crafted for true fans of the arts. Enjoy • 10% discount per person for selected shows (cannot be combined with other promotions) • Priority seating reserved • Limited-edition souvenir Bangkok Bank credit card holders receive up to 20% off through the Early Bird period, making this the perfect time to indulge in a world-class cultural experience. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness artistic excellence from around the world. Tickets on sale from June 14 to July 14, 2025, at all Thai Ticket Major branches and at For full program details,
Associated Press
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
27th Bangkok Festivals: A World-Class Spectacle in Thailand
Experience the legendary 'Plácido Domingo' live in Thailand for the first time—alongside an Indian epic, dazzling Chinese ballet, operas, and jaw-dropping acrobatics Tickets Now Available! BANGKOK, THAILAND - Media OutReach Newswire - 20 June 2025 - Get ready for a world-class spectacle like no other—right here in Thailand. Bangkok's 27th International Festival of Dance & Music is making a grand comeback, bringing 14 stunning performances from over 10 countries across the globe. KV This year's lineup is nothing short of legendary—with the Thai debut of Plácido Domingo, the iconic opera superstar. And that's just the beginning. Brace yourself for Mahabharata: 18 Days, Dusk of an Era – an epic tale from India, A Dream of Red Mansions – breathtaking Chinese ballet, Tosca and Aida – powerful operatic masterpieces, dazzling Chinese acrobatics, a high-energy dance-meets-tech show from France and much more. The curtain rises from September 6 to October 15, 2025, at the Thailand Cultural Centre's Main Hall. Tickets go on sale June 14, with early bird discounts for one month and an exclusive 'Platinum Package' available for early access and exclusivity. A once-in-a-lifetime performance in Thailand, Plácido Domingo One of this year's monumental highlights, Plácido Domingo, the legendary opera icon and one of The Three Tenors, will perform in Thailand for the first and only time. With over 150 operatic roles in 4000 performances and 12 Grammy awards, Domingo has redefined opera for global audiences and remains one of the most influential figures in classical music history. This historic night becomes even more extraordinary as he shares the stage with two stars in classical music: Monica Conesa, the radiant American soprano captivating international stages, along with Beatrice Venezi, the groundbreaking Italian conductor hailed as one of the most powerful women in classical music. Together, they will create an unforgettable operatic masterpiece; this is more than a concert; it is a piece of musical history. India's epic Mahabharata comes to life in a dazzling contemporary spectacle For the first time in Thailand, audiences will witness the grandeur of the Mahabharata, India's greatest epic reimagined for the global stage. 'Mahabharata: 18 Days, Dusk of an Era' is a live, large-scale performance by Prabhat Arts International, founded in 1946, a renowned artistic institution known for breathing new life into ancient literature through modern artistic forms. This visually stunning production brings to life the 18-day war between the Pandavas and Kauravas, the cosmic clash of dharma (righteousness) versus adharma (unrighteousness) with a cast of over fifty performers. The show is a gripping infusion of Indian dance, drama and live dialogue with elaborate costumes brought out through levitation, aerial stunts, martial arts and immersive visual effects. Chinese classic reimagined: A Dream of Red Mansions by the National Ballet of China Also taking center stage is the breathtaking ballet interpretation of A Dream of Red Mansions, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of China, originally penned by Cao Xueqin in the 18th century. Often called 'a mirror of Qing Dynasty society,' the story remains one of the most poignant literary works in Chinese history. This year, the acclaimed National Ballet of China reinterprets the tale through the elegance of Western ballet, capturing themes of love, longing, and the inevitable decline of a noble family. More than eighty dancers will bring the tragic love triangle to life with expressive choreography and powerful stage presence. The production arrives in Bangkok with six full containers of set pieces, lighting, and lavish costumes from Beijing, an awe-inspiring fusion of Chinese storytelling and Western ballet tradition, delivered with grace and grandeur on a single stage. Russia's Samara Opera & Ballet Theatre kicks off the festival with 4 grand productions Get ready for an unforgettable second half of The Festival as Russia's prestigious Samara Opera & Ballet Theatre takes the stage in Bangkok with 4 spectacular productions. Renowned for its breathtaking performances and grand-scale productions, the company brings a diverse lineup of opera and ballet masterpieces to Thai audiences. Leading the charge are two legendary operas: Tosca and Aida, timeless tales of love, loss, and power brought to life with stunning sets, soaring vocals, and a cast of over 250 performers. The magic continues with a brand-new production of The Nutcracker made just for their visit to Thailand, Tchaikovsky's beloved Christmas ballet. Rounding off their lineup is the emotionally charged contemporary ballet Three Masks of the King, a dramatic reflection on power, identity, and the courage to embrace one's true self, showcasing the precision and grandeur of Russian ballet at its finest and the only theatre in the world who performs this ballet. Heart-stopping acrobatics and futuristic dance collide The excitement doesn't stop there. This year's festival brings high-octane energy and universal appeal with China National Acrobatic Troupe, performing in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Thai–Chinese diplomatic relations. With over 50 acrobats and more than 74 international gold medals, prepare to be amazed by gravity-defying stunts and jaw-dropping feats of athleticism. Then, step into the future with Pixel, a groundbreaking French production that merges street, hip-hop, roller blading and contemporary dance with state-of-the-art visual technology. Featuring 3D graphics, projection mapping, and interactive special effects, this performance is a visual spectacle that will leave you breathless. Global highlights: from Cuban rhythms to Spanish fire The festival also features an eclectic lineup of international performances, namely, Cuba Vibra!, a vibrant journey through Cuban dance from past to present, Nocturna, a contemporary flamenco performance from Spain, pulsing with passion NINA, a Gatsby-style dance drama paying tribute to female strength and the pursuit of dreams Energy ∞ Infinite, a percussion show that redefines rhythm and movement, and The Prague Philharmonia, one of Europe's top orchestras and a Grammy recipient, will deliver classical brilliance and also features 29 year old American pianist George Li from the Los Angeles Philharmonic. A festival backed by passion and partnership Bangkok's 27th International Festival of Dance & Music is made possible with generous support from the both public and private sector, including AXA Insurance, Bangkok Bank, BMW Thailand, Indorama Ventures, Singha Corporation, Supalai, Swissôtel Bangkok Ratchada, Thai Union Group, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Ministry of Culture. Experience the Festival like never before with Platinum Packages Book your tickets early and get exclusive access to Platinum Packages, a premium experience crafted for true fans of the arts. Enjoy Bangkok Bank credit card holders receive up to 20% off through the Early Bird period, making this the perfect time to indulge in a world-class cultural experience. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness artistic excellence from around the world. Tickets on sale from June 14 to July 14, 2025, at all Thai Ticket Major branches and at For full program details, visit: Hashtag: #BangkokFestivals The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Bangkok Festivals Established in 1999, Bangkok's International Festival of Dance & Music is Asia's largest and most prestigious performing arts festival. Featuring top-tier talent from across the globe in opera, ballet, orchestral music, contemporary performance, and cross-cultural showcases, the festival strives to elevate the Thai arts scene and provide unforgettable experiences for local audiences. Follow us for updates and news at
Arabian Post
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Arabian Post
27th Bangkok Festivals: A World-Class Spectacle in Thailand
Experience the legendary 'Plácido Domingo' live in Thailand for the first time—alongside an Indian epic, dazzling Chinese ballet, operas, and jaw-dropping acrobatics Tickets Now Available! BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 June 2025 – Get ready for a world-class spectacle like no other—right here in Thailand. Bangkok's 27th International Festival of Dance & Music is making a grand comeback, bringing 14 stunning performances from over 10 countries across the globe. This year's lineup is nothing short of legendary—with the Thai debut of Plácido Domingo, the iconic opera superstar. And that's just the beginning. Brace yourself for Mahabharata: 18 Days, Dusk of an Era – an epic tale from India, A Dream of Red Mansions – breathtaking Chinese ballet, Tosca and Aida – powerful operatic masterpieces, dazzling Chinese acrobatics, a high-energy dance-meets-tech show from France and much more. The curtain rises from September 6 to October 15, 2025, at the Thailand Cultural Centre's Main Hall. Tickets go on sale June 14, with early bird discounts for one month and an exclusive 'Platinum Package' available for early access and exclusivity. ADVERTISEMENT A once-in-a-lifetime performance in Thailand, Plácido Domingo One of this year's monumental highlights, Plácido Domingo, the legendary opera icon and one of The Three Tenors, will perform in Thailand for the first and only time. With over 150 operatic roles in 4000 performances and 12 Grammy awards, Domingo has redefined opera for global audiences and remains one of the most influential figures in classical music history. This historic night becomes even more extraordinary as he shares the stage with two stars in classical music: Monica Conesa, the radiant American soprano captivating international stages, along with Beatrice Venezi, the groundbreaking Italian conductor hailed as one of the most powerful women in classical music. Together, they will create an unforgettable operatic masterpiece; this is more than a concert; it is a piece of musical history. India's epic Mahabharata comes to life in a dazzling contemporary spectacle For the first time in Thailand, audiences will witness the grandeur of the Mahabharata, India's greatest epic reimagined for the global stage. 'Mahabharata: 18 Days, Dusk of an Era' is a live, large-scale performance by Prabhat Arts International, founded in 1946, a renowned artistic institution known for breathing new life into ancient literature through modern artistic forms. This visually stunning production brings to life the 18-day war between the Pandavas and Kauravas, the cosmic clash of dharma (righteousness) versus adharma (unrighteousness) with a cast of over fifty performers. The show is a gripping infusion of Indian dance, drama and live dialogue with elaborate costumes brought out through levitation, aerial stunts, martial arts and immersive visual effects. ADVERTISEMENT Chinese classic reimagined: A Dream of Red Mansions by the National Ballet of China Also taking center stage is the breathtaking ballet interpretation of A Dream of Red Mansions, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of China, originally penned by Cao Xueqin in the 18th century. Often called 'a mirror of Qing Dynasty society,' the story remains one of the most poignant literary works in Chinese history. This year, the acclaimed National Ballet of China reinterprets the tale through the elegance of Western ballet, capturing themes of love, longing, and the inevitable decline of a noble family. More than eighty dancers will bring the tragic love triangle to life with expressive choreography and powerful stage presence. The production arrives in Bangkok with six full containers of set pieces, lighting, and lavish costumes from Beijing, an awe-inspiring fusion of Chinese storytelling and Western ballet tradition, delivered with grace and grandeur on a single stage. Russia's Samara Opera & Ballet Theatre kicks off the festival with 4 grand productions Get ready for an unforgettable second half of The Festival as Russia's prestigious Samara Opera & Ballet Theatre takes the stage in Bangkok with 4 spectacular productions. Renowned for its breathtaking performances and grand-scale productions, the company brings a diverse lineup of opera and ballet masterpieces to Thai audiences. Leading the charge are two legendary operas: Tosca and Aida, timeless tales of love, loss, and power brought to life with stunning sets, soaring vocals, and a cast of over 250 performers. The magic continues with a brand-new production of The Nutcracker made just for their visit to Thailand, Tchaikovsky's beloved Christmas ballet. Rounding off their lineup is the emotionally charged contemporary ballet Three Masks of the King, a dramatic reflection on power, identity, and the courage to embrace one's true self, showcasing the precision and grandeur of Russian ballet at its finest and the only theatre in the world who performs this ballet. Heart-stopping acrobatics and futuristic dance collide The excitement doesn't stop there. This year's festival brings high-octane energy and universal appeal with China National Acrobatic Troupe, performing in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Thai–Chinese diplomatic relations. With over 50 acrobats and more than 74 international gold medals, prepare to be amazed by gravity-defying stunts and jaw-dropping feats of athleticism. Then, step into the future with Pixel, a groundbreaking French production that merges street, hip-hop, roller blading and contemporary dance with state-of-the-art visual technology. Featuring 3D graphics, projection mapping, and interactive special effects, this performance is a visual spectacle that will leave you breathless. Global highlights: from Cuban rhythms to Spanish fire The festival also features an eclectic lineup of international performances, namely, Cuba Vibra!, a vibrant journey through Cuban dance from past to present, Nocturna, a contemporary flamenco performance from Spain, pulsing with passion NINA, a Gatsby-style dance drama paying tribute to female strength and the pursuit of dreams Energy ∞ Infinite, a percussion show that redefines rhythm and movement, and The Prague Philharmonia, one of Europe's top orchestras and a Grammy recipient, will deliver classical brilliance and also features 29 year old American pianist George Li from the Los Angeles Philharmonic. A festival backed by passion and partnership Bangkok's 27th International Festival of Dance & Music is made possible with generous support from the both public and private sector, including AXA Insurance, Bangkok Bank, BMW Thailand, Indorama Ventures, Singha Corporation, Supalai, Swissôtel Bangkok Ratchada, Thai Union Group, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and the Ministry of Culture. Experience the Festival like never before with Platinum Packages Book your tickets early and get exclusive access to Platinum Packages, a premium experience crafted for true fans of the arts. Enjoy 10% discount per person for selected shows (cannot be combined with other promotions) Priority seating reserved Limited-edition souvenir Bangkok Bank credit card holders receive up to 20% off through the Early Bird period, making this the perfect time to indulge in a world-class cultural experience. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness artistic excellence from around the world. Tickets on sale from June 14 to July 14, 2025, at all Thai Ticket Major branches and at For full program details, visit: Hashtag: #BangkokFestivals The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Bangkok Festivals Established in 1999, Bangkok's International Festival of Dance & Music is Asia's largest and most prestigious performing arts festival. Featuring top-tier talent from across the globe in opera, ballet, orchestral music, contemporary performance, and cross-cultural showcases, the festival strives to elevate the Thai arts scene and provide unforgettable experiences for local audiences. Follow us for updates and news at
The Hindu
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Review of The Living Legend by Vayu Naidu
The Living Legend by the British-Indian writer Vayu Naidu is yet another book on the Ramayana. It is not a retelling in the sense of adding a hitherto unexplored interpretation of a character's supposed motives or responses. But it is a 're-telling' in the sense of telling the same story again. It draws from several versions of this epic as it travelled orally across geographies and it uses the format of the seven kandas, without labelling them. The introduction to this book expresses the author's intent. It is an attempt to foreground 'not just the internal drama of the characters… but the dependence and interrelations between animal forces and plant forces'. It also speaks of the principles that sustain both individuals and societies and it elaborates on the multiple levels of interpretive possibilities of this epic. The Dandaka forest is a metaphoric space and the story is an unfolding of the truth of consciousness. To Dasaratha, Rama is his 16-year-old son but to the sages Vashistha and Vishwamitra, Rama shows the way to dispel the darkness of ignorance. What, however, propels one to turn the pages of this book is neither the theme of cosmic interconnectedness nor the metaphoric interpretations but the sheer power of the 'internal drama' of the original story. No matter how many times one has heard the story, one is hooked to Rama's encounter with Ahalya, his breaking of Shiva's bow to claim Sita's hand in marriage, his exile into the forest, the abduction of Sita by Ravana, Hanuman in Lanka, and the whole tragedy of the two lovers, Rama and Sita. Contemporary contexts This leads one to wonder why people 'write' or 'tell' the same stories again? If the plot is a well-known one, then there should be something special about the 'style' of presenting the story. The genius of the writer's voice must shine through — like Tulsidas' Ramayana or that of Kambar. Just as a pastoral poem or an elegy has its poetic convention, our epic poems too — principally the Ramayana and the Mahabharata — function within the framework of the timeless principles of dharma, artha, kama and moksha. Dharma or ethical principles and moksha or salvation are the outer guiding boundaries within which the play of artha and kama (wealth and pleasure) are acted out. If these boundaries are taken away in the retelling, we are left with only the flippant beggary of a 'romantasy'. The attempt in this book is also to make the story accessible to the millennial reader by using contemporary contexts. 'Lakshmi had just returned from a timeshare on the ocean-of-consciousness holiday'; 'Ayodhya would continue to host the best Performing Arts festival'; 'Rama was cool'; many courtiers saw the Rama-Sita alliance as 'the dawning of a new era in economic expansion, military security through diplomatic negotiation, and tourism…' These and several other such examples are creative and interesting but the judicious young reader can decide if these enhance the contemporaneity of the story. While Naidu acknowledges her gratitude to the publishers 'for insightful editing', several bloopers dot the novel. Errors are understandable but is it pardonable to write Ishvaku for Ikshvaku? Is it appropriate to mis-write 'mahavakyas' as 'mahakavyas'? Where is the hurry to bring out a book? This story is not running away from anyone — let's give it the regard due to it. The reviewer is a Sahitya Akademi translation award winner. The Living Legend Vayu Naidu Penguin Ebury Press ₹399
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Nilambur bypoll: P.V. Anvar kicks up fresh row by refusing to embrace UDF candidate Shoukath on poll day
P.V. Anvar, All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) Kerala State convener who is contesting the byelection in Nilambur as an Independent, kicked up a row by refusing to embrace United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Aryadan Shoukath when they met at a polling station at Nilambur on Thursday (June 19, 2025) morning. Mr. Shoukath walked up to Mr. Anvar and shook hands with him when they met. However, Mr. Anvar warned Mr. Shoukath not to embrace him. 'Because I feared it will be a Dhritarashtra embrace,' Mr. Anvar told the media later referring to devastating hugging of Dhritarashtra in the Mahabharata. Mr. Anvar clarified why he refused to embrace and why he warned Mr. Shoukath not to embrace him. 'He (Mr. Shoukath) is someone who embraces everyone. I don't want that. I don't want that Dhritarashtra embrace.' Mr. Anvar also described Mr. Shoukath as 'an actor.' 'You see what happened when two actors met,' he said referring to Mr. Shoukath embracing Left Democratic Front (LDF) candidate M. Swaraj when they met. Addressing the media earlier, Mr. Anvar said he would garner more than 75,000 votes. He said he would wrest 35% to 40% votes from the LDF and 25% from the UDF. He blamed both UDF and LDF candidates for ignoring the real issues of Nilambur and its people. He said Mr. Shoukath was still in his 'filmy world' and that he would have to 'continue storywriting' after the elections. 'You cannot hoodwink the people of Nilambur with your fashion parade,' he said referring to Mr. Shoukath. Mr. Anvar said he was preparing to walk up to Thiruvananthapuram along with his followers to take oath after victory in the byelection.
