Kaleidoscope has over the last 2 years, been developing a 360 degree vision of the Mahabharata, the greatest story ever told. This research involving academics, artists, designers has given us an understanding of the contemporary relevance of this epic & the need for our youth to be exposed to it.

They start the spectrum with this play, directed by Rudradeep Chakravarty and Produced by Varsha Bedi and Shivani Wazir Pasrich.

The Mahabharata has been a repository of a vast number of stories portraying the endless range of human emotions of intrigue, guile, jealousy, love and also of a great sense of the play of destiny in human life, bringing forth a deeper & higher philosophy through the rendition of the Gita. Many characters hold sway in this great epic but the most poignant, dramatic persona that comes across is that of Karna, born the son of a god but destined to be brought up as one of a low caste charioteer.

The production is of the story of Karna as a stage show or rather, a spectacle. The story written by Farukh Dhondy (writer of Bandit Queen & Mangal Pandey) captures Karna's conflict to seek his destiny as a warrior, his battle against his social stature, his quest for honour and how circumstances & inescapable fate make him probably the most courageous & admirable character of the Mahabharata.

Co-producer Shivani Wazir says, the story is embellished with meticulously crafted digital imagery, choreography, music & martial art. When you communicate to the computer savvy youth of today, it ought to be in their language and format and it is equally important to bring them close to our culture, our epics.

According to Varsha Bedi, today it is possible to tell our mythology far more effectively than before. This is primarily due to technological advances in media and entertainment. We have used computer graphic imagery, visual effects and animation has been used to embellish what is already "The Greatest Story Ever Told."

A very enthusiastic Nisar Khan, who's playing the central role of Karna says I think the struggle I had to face in my acting career and in trying to create my identity has helped me relate to Karna of Mahabharata. I can identify with his integrity, courage, complexes and inner fights, says the NSD graduate Nisar Khan. He is confident that the audience will find a refreshing change because of his director Rudradeep's direction and the innovative light design.

There will be 10 shows over 10 days at Siri Fort Auditoriuml (main audi) starting 24th July to 3rd Aug 08. KARNA; WARRIOR OF THE SUN. The audi has a seating capacity of 1500 per show.