India Post News Service

LOS ANGELES: Does war protect the people from forces of terror? Does war, as an act of self-defense, justify killing the innocent? If we live the codes of conduct exemplified in dharma, why war? As the kings of the mighty armies confronted each other on the battle fields of Kurukshetra thousands of years ago, Arjuna asked Krishna these questions. An agonizing choice.

The same questions we are asking now, and shall continue to ask for years to come. "The unfolding story of Dharma?: Integrity is really the saga of our times," remarks director, Viji Prakash. "Our current global situation is marked by war, deception, terror, and greed. This play reflects this. Every scene, every character of the epic plays out in our lives today.

And yet, all is not lost. Dharma? is ultimately about hope, that we strive to live life with truth and integrity." Dharma? is an adaptation of Prakash’s production, Bhagavad Gita, which toured the US and Canada in 2002 and 2003, and included a sold-out performance at New York’s Lincoln Center in 2003. Known for her unique and dazzling choreography, Viji Prakash holds true to her signature style in this profoundly timeless drama.

The ensemble includes a stellar cast of twenty-five dancers, including distinguished dancers, Mythili Prakash and Ajit Baskarandas. The dance drama is accompanied by a group of brilliant musicians from India, led by famed vocalist, Lakshmi Shankar. Prakash is a world-renowned dancer, choreographer and instructor of Bharata Natyam, the classical dance style of South India. Over the past three decades, she has performed and toured extensively in the United States, India, Europe, Canada, Japan, and Thailand.

Prakash is also the founder & director of the Shakti School of Bharata Natyam, and its performing affiliate, the Shakti Dance Company. She is an Associate Professor of dance in the World Arts & Culture Department at UCLA. Dharma?: Integrity will showcase at USC’s Bovard Auditorium on Thursday, March 22 as part of the University’s Visions and Voices Arts and Humanities Initiative. This event begins at 7:30, and is free to the general public. Seating is general admission. Hailed by the LA Times as "a Southland treasure", Shakti will not disappoint in this spectacular performance.