A play exploring an episode of intriguing cultural interplay between India and China is set to open on February 10, as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival.
The Primetime Theatre Company's 20th production, Zen Katha, presents the story of Bodhidharma, a prince from the ancient kingdom of Kanchi. He is said to be the true founder of Zen and martial arts.
The play opens in the kingdom of Kanchi in India, where Bodhidharma was born to King Sugandha, the reigning Pallava King.
The first half explores the prince's relationship with his guru Prajnaratna, who trained him in yoga, kalaripayattu and meditation.
It also explores his relationship with his playmate Sanghameeta, who is secretly in love with him. It traces his transformation from a Brahmin to a Buddhist monk and finally to the 28th Patriach, who decides to travel to China with the Buddha's bowl to spread Buddhism.
The play then proceeds to detail his dramatic encounter with the powerful Chinese Emperor Wu Ti of the Liang Dynasty and then moves to the austere world of the monks and monasteries in Shaolin. It is at this point the audience learns of his connection with Zen philosophy and the martial arts as they are known today.
Written by narrator and playwright Pratap Sharma, the play traces the journey of Bodhidharma from India to China, both on the physical and the metaphysical plane. As the play unfolds, an extraordinary man's tale his intense temporal relationships and inspiring spiritual and physical evolution, culminating with his discovery of an alternative way of being is sure to leave the audience feeling spell-bound.
Zen Katha is a Dubai Shopping Festival event organised by Rangmanch Theatre Events. It is being staged at the Emirates International School's auditorium.
The show begins at 8pm. Tickets cost Dh35, Dh60, Dh125 and Dh175, available at Rangmanch Office.
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