Sri Dance Company's Version of the Mahabharata

A new take on a classic Hindu saga

Comments (0) By Ann Haskins Wednesday, Jun 4 2008

Lilian Wu

Rusti Yastrorejo in the spotlight

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Rusti Yastrorejo in the spotlight

Films like Some Like it Hot, Tootsie and Mrs. Doubtfire were not the first to contemplate men disguised as women. In the Mahabharata, the classic saga from India, one of the warrior heroes escapes his enemies and death by hiding among dancing girls in a harem; his peaceful existence hiding in another identity contrasts with the violence that awaits his former self on the outside. Choreographer Sri Susilowati draws on traditional and modern dance forms to explore the ancient story and its contemporary resonance on issues of identity and sexuality. Aiding the endeavor are dancers Debby Engel, Hector Garcia, Peter de Guzman, Febby Satyaputri, Ayuko Sato, Miraya Surya, Annie Tucker, Rusti Yastorejo, Fatima Zulkifli and Susilowati. As an extra bonus, come early, watch the sunset at Venice Beach, catch a bite on trendy Abbot Kinney Blvd., then wander around the corner for the show. To see video clips of Sri Dance Company on Dance Channel TV, click here. Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave., Venice; Fri.-Sat., June 6-7, 8 p.m., Sun., June 8, 7 p.m.; $20, $15 students & seniors. (310) 823-0710 (press 2).