Young Actor's Journey with The Mahabharata: A Lifelong Connection

At the age of nine, Antonin Stahly experienced a transformative moment when his mother took him to see a production of The Mahabharata at the Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord in Paris. The performance, which lasted from noon to midnight, captivated Stahly, who felt a deep connection to the story due to his half-Indian heritage. He was the youngest audience member and was invited to return for every performance, where he found himself both a spectator and an actor, immersing himself in the epic's narrative. Stahly's involvement with The Mahabharata extended beyond the Paris stage, as he toured internationally for 18 months, visiting countries like the US, Japan, and Australia. His mother, Hélène, was tasked with overseeing him during this adventure, which took him out of school and into a world of performance and storytelling. Stahly reflects on the complexity of the narrative, describing it as a guidebook for life that poses questions without providing definitive answers. As a budding photographer, Stahly's father, Peter Brook Jr., invited him to document a research trip to India, which was integral to the film adaptation of The Mahabharata. Despite his long history with the story, Stahly found the transition from theater to film to be a significant shift. Brook Jr. emphasizes the timeless relevance of The Mahabharata, noting its ability to resonate with contemporary audiences, a testament to its enduring legacy over thousands of years.