Uttar-Priyadarshi photo: Ratan Thiyam

Performing Arts CHORUS REPERTORY THEATRE UTTAR-PRIYADARSHI MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2000, 5:30 PM WORLD PARTY, 7 PM PERFORMANCE $26, $22, $18 ($20.80, $17.60, $14.40 WALKER MEMBERS AND ORDWAY SUBSCRIBERS AND ASSOCIATES) ORDWAY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 345 WASHINGTON STREET, ST. PAUL TICKETS: 651.224.4222

CONCEIVED AND DIRECTED BY RATAN THIYAM
Hailing from the remote northeastern Indian province of Manipur, theatrical visionary Ratan Thiyam and his 30-member Chorus Repertory Theatre travel to North America for the first time to present Uttar-Priyadarshi. Their much-heralded 1996 theater work is based on a mythic poem about 2nd-century Indian Emperor Ashoka, who searches for nonviolence and enlightenment after turning away from the torments of war. Widely considered one of Asia's most innovative artists, Thiyam has influenced contemporary theater creators such as Tadashi Suzuki, Jerzy Grotowski, and Peter Brook (who traveled to Manipur to witness Thiyam's work before he created his famous Mahabharata). Noted for its passion, color, humor, and potent universal themes, Thiyam's piece promises to be a revelation for U.S. audiences. "The energy and intensity of the performance was exhilarating. A thrilling theatrical event" (West Australian). Performed in the Manipuri language Mei-tei with English surtitles. Free to ticketholders. Call the Ordway box office for additional ticket discounts. Regular service fees apply. Copresented with the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts as part of the Planet Ordway series.

WORLD PARTY, 5:30 PM
Before the show, enjoy activities, entertainment, exhibits, and "Insight" discussions on Indian culture in the Ordway lobby. Complimentary beverages, plus reasonably priced cuisine from India will be available. Free to ticket holders.

THIS PERFORMANCE IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM THE BUSH FOUNDATION. THE ORDWAY GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE ST. PAUL COMPANIES. CHORUS REPERTORY THEATRE'S NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT TOUR IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY THE ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION AND IS CO-PRODUCED BY ASIA SOCIETY AND LISA BOOTH MANAGEMENT, INC.