Peter Brook and the Mahabharata free essay sample

An in-depth look at the Peter Brook production of the Mahabharata. This paper is on the Peter Brook production of the Mahabharata, the Indian epic. The author contends that the process of de-contextualization of characters, plot elements and pieces of narration out of the Mahabharatas original context and into a Western mode of performance, plot construction and interpretation exhibits the latent Orientalism of the Brook production, and represents the profound and perverse commodification of the India classic. The author further explains how it was Brooks perspective and alteration of this epic that reached a broader Western audience. As a world defined by over 200 nations, and thousands of cultures, an incredibly rich history and set of traditions exists. The last century has marked a turning point in our planets history. As never before, the distance and separation of cultures is becoming ever smaller, due to better transportation and communications infrastructures, and a desire to conduct business on a global scale. We will write a custom essay sample on Peter Brook and the Mahabharata or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page There is also an interesting and concerning adoption and synthesis of cultural practices and traditions. One could debate rather academically the merits of cultural encounter and interaction, and to say that perhaps with a synthesis of different cultural practices, a new culture is born. That may be, however the focus of this essay is to critically investigate and discuss the adoption or representation of other cultural traditions, without comprehending their meaning or significance. This is demonstrated through the Western commodification of cultures, the notion of Orientalism, and specifically focusing on the Brooks/ Carrire production of the Mahabharata.