The Rasa Jar

By Shyama Iyer


Directed by Shyama Iyer


Yale Cabaret

2023


Producer: Kavya Shetty

Set Designer: Patti Panyakaew

Lighting Designer: Celia Chen

Sound Designer: Emilee Biles

Projection Designers: John Horzen, Ke Xu, and Christian Killada

Dramaturg: Lara Sachdeva

Technical Director: Leo Surach

Stage Manager: Iyanna Huffington Whitney

"The Rasa Jar explores performed emotion as derived from the Natyashastra, a dramaturgical document that emerged in India around 500 CE. The Natyashastra defines eight Bhavas, or emotions prepared by the performer; and eight Rasas, or emotions tasted by the audience. 


As audience members, you will hear songs specifically intended to evoke certain Rasas from you. These Rasas are named in the program inserts and correspond to the colored beads distributed throughout the room. During the show, pick the colored bead that matches the songs and our performers will come and collect them!"

-- Lara Sachdeva

The space is defined by the the energy balls that surrounds the audience. Everything in the space is curved with hanging colorful balls that matches the colored beads from the theme. 

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Photo credits: Kim Zhou