"Mara" (Buddhist lore) - Shakti Dance Company

Ashley Wells, Wisdom Quarterly; Shakti Dance Co., Los Angeles Weekly (laweekly.com)

Saturday, Sept. 21, 2013: 8:00 p.m. at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre

 

The John Anson Ford Amphitheatre

According to Buddhist legend, the "demon" Mara (the personification of Death) tried unsuccessfully to seduce and dissuade Siddhartha from becoming the Buddha (Enlightened One). 

 
So he continues to audaciously entice and distract humans from their own spiritual quest with worldly pleasures, keeping them from finding true inner freedom and the "Deathless" (nirvana).
 

Mara attacks Siddhartha under Bodhi tree

That demon’s demon is the focus of bharata natyam choreographer Mythili Prakash and the dancers of Shakti Dance Company and in their newest recital, Mara.
 
For this world premiere, composer/musician Aditya Prakash provides a score that draws on classical Indian music, brass band jazz, and funk played live by his Aditya Prakash Ensemble.
 
Video wizard Kate Johnson and lighting magician Eileen Cooley are part of the team creating a world that blends contemporary western theatre elements with South Asia storytelling, dance, and music. (Price: $20-$50)

• SomethingAboutMara.com
• L.A. Weekly Buddhist coverage