Washington Shakespeare Company proudly presents:

Divine Drama
A Festival of Classical Sanskrit Theatre

The Washington Shakespeare Company is proud to present the most comprehensive festival of classical Sanskrit drama on a professional scale in the history of Washington, D.C. theatre. Like Greek drama and the works of Shakespeare, Sanskrit drama belongs neither to time nor place nor specifics of situation and yet is integrally rooted in its own context. Like all great classical canon, Sanskrit drama has the quality of universality through intense specificity.  Sanskrit drama allows the audience access to the fundamental essences of humanity through a process of stylized, meditative ritual; these are special qualities that no other type of drama possesses.  Washington Shakespeare Company takes great pleasure in presenting this festival of “divine drama.”  

WSC’s Divine Drama: A Festival of Classical Sanskrit Theatre will present staged readings of seven representative plays from the canon, all of which are rarely performed.  Some of the readings will be accompanied by live music, costuming, dance and movement.  All readings are “pay-what-you-can.”

To prepare for the readings, the directors and actors will participate in discovery workshops to explore the cultural context of the art of Sanskrit drama. The program will include audience enrichment events, post-show discussions, and receptions.  The Shirlington Library, in conjunction with the festival, will offer programming germane to Indian theatrical arts.  WSC’s Divine Drama: A Festival of Classical Sanskrit Theatre promises to be a very special and rare treat for area audiences.  

2006/2007 Season

WSC's Clark Street Playhouse
601 S. Clark St.,
Crystal City (Arlington), VA 22202 (Directions)