Nepali theatre of late has been on an upswing, with artists willing to experiment working on both western and eastern ancient texts-evidenced by the Theatre Mall’s rendition of Tagore’s Malini or Shilpee’s recent production of Madhavi, adapted from the Mahabharata.

But what if a production blends the eastern scripture with western sensibilities? One World Theatre’s upcoming production, Arjuna’s Dilemma, does just that. Slated to open on September 3, at the Patan Museum, the fusion opera, directed by Douglas J Cuomo, is a music drama based on the Bhagavad Gita. Featuring 15th century Indian poet Kabir’s poetry, with a fusion of Indian classical music and jazz, the show will be the first ever opera performance in Nepal.

Music Director of the production, Jonathan Khuner, expresses his excitement over the project, “I’ve been working 35 years in the operatic medium, but this project expands far beyond the boundaries of my existing métier. To capitalise on the common ground of musical improvisation at the heart of Indian classical music and jazz, the Indian singer, tabla player and jazz saxophonist each use their respective improvisatory traditions to reach for the ecstatic, the sublime and the terror that make up the emotional world of this work.”

According to organisers: “The goal is to engage in a true trans-cultural project that brings together the combined expertise, traditions and culture of all the participants.” The production will also weave contemporary Nepali contextualisations into the narrative. The show will feature actors Rajkumar Pudasaini, Salil Subedi, French ballerina Alize Biannic, opera singer Roy Stevens and Indian vocalist Gurudev Kamat, among others; the sets will be designed by Deborah Merola.

The play will open on September 3, at the Bhitri Chowk in Patan Museum, and will be on till September 11. Tickets are priced at Rs 750, Rs 500, and Rs 200 for students.