East West Players (EWP), the largest producing organization of Asian American artistic work, in partnership with San Francisco’s EnActe Arts and New York City’s Hypokrit Productions, is proud to present three unique virtual world premieres of The Sitayana (Or “How to Make an Exit”), by Lavina Jadhwani

(Time Out Chicago’s “Best Next Generation Stage Director”), and directed by Reena Dutt  (Dir. Antigone, Presented by the Girls of St. Catherine’s – Sacred Fools), from September 25 through September 27, 2021, with livestream shows running through October 17, 2021.

The Sitayana is a n artful transposition of the Hindu epic The Ramayana told from Sita’s point of view. Part epic tale, part coming of age story, The S itayana is the ultimate breakup play. Audiences attending the livestreamed viewings September 25 – October 17, 2021 will be given the choice of one of three unique incarnations of Sita from whom they will hear her story (Amar Chitra Sita, Sita’s Mehndi Party, and Sita’s Slumber Party) which questions traditional gender roles, subverts idealized views of femininity, and ultimately centers Sita as a hero within her own epic journey. The production, part of the Virtual 55th Anniversary Season of East West Players, Between Worlds, had previously been postponed in May 2021. Each of the versions will be available for video-on-demand viewing beginning September 20, through Sunday, October 17, 2021.

“The story of Ram and Sita is one as old as time. What Lavina has brilliantly done here is reframed the story through the lens of modern relationships.  Along the way upending stereotypes of femininity and providing a refresh to dated views of chastity, commitment, and duty,” says EWP Producing Artistic Director Snehal Desai. “It is also such a groundbreaking moment that producing this play virtually has allowed us to collaborate with our friends at EnActe Arts and Hypokrit Theatre, two of the most innovative and adventurous theater companies in the country.”

Admission is  $9.99 for livestream and video on demand. For more info, or to purchase tickets visit website or email boxoffice@eastwestplayers.org 

What: The Sitayana, East West Players Virtual 55th Anniversary Season                                                  
Where Online
When: Live streaming Performances, Sept. 25 – Oct. 17; check website for times; Video-On-Demand available September 25 – October 17, 2021
Website: http://www.eastwestplayers.org