A.C.T. to Present Peter Brook's BATTLEFIELD, An Adaptation of Indian Epic 'The Mahabharata'

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 (April 26-May 21, 2017).

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:

• Bike to the Theater Night:
Wednesday, April 26, 7 p.m.
Providing a greener alternative to theater transportation, A.C.T. and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition offer free valet bike parking, as well as a special discount on tickets, for these select performances.

• In Conversation with Peter Brook and Marie-Hélène Estienne
Monday, May 1, 7 p.m.
A.C.T.'s Geary Theater
Internationally renowned directors Peter Brook and his collaborator, playwright Marie-Hélène Estienne join A.C.T. Resident Dramaturg Michael Paller for a one-night-only conversation on the Geary stage where they will discuss the creation of Battlefield. Tickets are complimentary, but guests are encouraged to RSVP at act-sf.org/specialevents.

• Prologue:
Tuesday, May 2, 5:30 p.m.
Before the curtain goes up, get a sneak peek at the artistic process at this fascinating preshow conversation with the director and artistic staff.

• Theater on the Couch:
Friday, May 5, following the 8 p.m. performance
Led by Dr. Mason Turner, chief of psychiatry at San Francisco's Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, this exciting postshow discussion series addresses audience questions and explores the minds, motives, and behavior of the characters.

• Audience Exchanges:
Tuesday, May 9, 7 p.m. | Sunday, May 14, 2 p.m. | Wednesday, May 17, 2 p.m.
After the show, stick around for a lively Q&A session with the actors and artists who create the work onstage.

• OUT with A.C.T.:
Wednesday, May 10, following the 8 p.m. performance
The best LGBT night in town! Mingle with the cast and enjoy free drinks and treats at this popular after-party.

• Wente Vineyards Wine Series:
Tuesday, May 16, 7 p.m.
Before the show, raise a glass at this wine-tasting event featuring the Bay Area's hottest local winery.

• PlayTime:
Saturday, May 20, 12:45 p.m.
Before this matinee performance, get hands-on with the artists who make it happen at this interactive theater workshop. A.C.T.'s production of Battlefield is made possible by producers Dr. Caroline Emmett and Dr. Russell Rydel, Dianne and Ron Hoge; and associate producers A.C.T. Directors Circle; Vera and Harold Stein; and Tim Mott and Pegan Brooke.

A.C.T. will close out its 2016-17 season with the critically acclaimed musical, A Night with Janis Joplin (June 7-July 2, 2017), in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the legendary Summer of Love in San Francisco.

Photo Credit: Caroline Moreau

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