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TIBETAN BOOK of the DEAD
Tibetan Buddhists believe that to hear The Tibetan Book of the Dead even once in this lifetime confers great blessings. Traditionally the treatise is a manual to be read aloud to the dying by friends. It is navigational instructions, spoken-as-you-go, for the moments surrounding death, and the days that follow. Its loving counsel applies to living as well as dying. In the play, the deep wisdom of the original texts is entirely accessible even to those with no knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism.
The current Tibetan Book of the Dead play is written by Jean-Claude van Itallie.  Its presented by Shantigar in association with Pilgrim Theater of Ashfield.  It features Court Dorsey, Kermit Dunkelberg and Susan Thompson. It is directed by Kim Mancuso with music by John VanEps and Steve Gorn, set by Jun Maeda, costumes by Patricia Spees.

The production is available for performances in theaters and learning centers.  We are working on putting together a tour.  Any help with ideas for venues and/or with financing will be greatly appreciated.

In May 2008, Western Massachusetts reviewer Gregory Lewis called this production "...a masterpiece... van Itallie's stage adaptation of "Tibetan Book of the Dead" is genius... an allegory of how to live and make choices in the here and now. It renders an esoteric treatise accessible... Kim Mancuso's skillful direction of three masterful actors--Kermit Dunkelberg, Susan Thompson, and Court Dorsey, supported by on-stage musician John VanEps and Steve Gorn's music--magnifies 'Tibetan Book' to dramatis excelsior. A lovable, dead one is guided through the 'in-between place' by two angelic beings. A travel
guide to the afterlife, 'Tibetan Book' is a musical pendulum of fright and fun."

The original production of "Tibetan Book of the Dead or How Not To Do It Again" premiered in 1983 in Ellen Stewart's La MaMa Annex to great acclaim. For this productiont, LaMama resident designer Jun Maeda has made a touring version of his original set:, a huge ethereal skull, used by the actors as scaffolding, built of saplings, molded by hand at Shantigar.

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