| 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. |
