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What happens when an epic Hindu poem collides with modern workplace bias?

Artistic-director Sharanya Rao joins Kirk to trace three big chapters of her journey: consulting on Mahabharata Tales for Austin Shakespeare, founding Leela Indian Community Theatre, and creating Anklets in the Boardroom, a Theatre of the Oppressed production where spectators jump onstage to rewrite real discrimination scenarios. https://www.leelatheatre.org/

In this conversation:

Cutting the Mahabharata down to a 2-hour stage piece (and the “must-have” scenes)

Why Austin needed a South-Asian community stage—and how Leela was born in 2012

Theatre of the Oppressed 101: “spect-actors,” no spectators

How story circles turn real workplace stories into live scripts

The power of name-pronunciation, audience agency, and non-violent rehearsal

May 16-18 performances of Anklets in the Boardroom at Austin PBS

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In this video I give a brief analysis of Ahab's character and a reading of one of his speeches in chapter 132, The Symphony.

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Join me for an in-depth conversation with actress and poet Divya Goruganthu as we unravel the rich layers of the Mahabharata Tales! In this episode, we dive into one of India's most enduring epics, exploring its poetic structure, complex characters, and the intricate interplay of female agency, divine curses, and royal intrigue.

What You'll Discover:

Introduction & Cultural Roots (0:00 – 10:15): How the Mahabharata shaped childhood, culture, and literary passion, with insights from Divya’s unique experience playing both Madri and Sanjaya.

Moral Complexity & Dualities (10:15 – 19:45): A discussion on how mythic characters defy simple archetypes and mirror the multifaceted nature of duty, honor, and virtue.

Royal Alliances & Tragic Curses (19:45 – 31:29): The politics behind arranged marriages, the fatal hunting accident, and the curse that changed destinies.

Divine Interventions & The Birth of Heroes (31:29 – 41:06): How sacred mantras and divine forces—invoked by Kunti and Madri—led to the miraculous birth of the Pandavas.

Intimacy, Consent, & Blame in the Royal Household (41:06 – 55:12): Exploring the murky dynamics of love, duty, and agency, and questioning modern interpretations of ancient intimate relationships.

Sacrifice & Sati: Tragedy and Autonomy (55:12 – 01:15:40): A look at cultural practices like sati and how they reflect both honor and the loss of female autonomy.

Ganga’s Journey & Maternal Legacy (01:27:58 – 01:37:04): The descent of the river goddess Ganga, her nurturing role with divine children, and her strict terms in union with King Shantanu.

Dynastic Struggles & Swayamvara (01:56:10 – 02:24:16): From competitive marriage contests to royal bloodlines, witness the dramatic contests and rejections that shape dynasties and cultural identity.

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Join me for a dynamic live reading of The Iliad, bringing the epic drama, passion, and power of Achilles to life. Experience firsthand how Homer's timeless verses still resonate today, connecting ancient heroes with modern audiences.

From fierce rivalries and heartbreaking losses to legendary battles, watch Achilles come alive in this unforgettable performance.

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In this episode of Troubadour, Kirk Barbera sits down with geneticist Razib Khan to explore a provocative question: Does our DNA determine our beliefs and behaviors? Razib, known for his work in population genetics, computational biology, and his blog Unsupervised Learning, delves into the intersection of genetics, free will, and natalism—the movement advocating for increased birth rates. Together, they discuss how genetics informs our understanding of human history, identity, and cultural evolution, and debate whether our DNA might shape our intellectual interests, choices, and even beliefs.

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Join Kirk and Dr. Aleksey Nikolsky on a fascinating journey through human expression in this episode where we explore how our earliest babbling blossoms into the complex symphonies of Beethoven. We dive into the intertwined evolution of music and language—uncovering the biological foundations that make us instinctively responsive to sound, while also examining how cultural learning transforms simple sounds into art.

In this conversation, we debate whether music’s impact is more of an automatic emotional trigger or a deeply contemplative experience, and we consider how these elements shape our creativity, empathy, and overall human consciousness. Discover why exposure to diverse artistic experiences might be the key to unlocking our full potential, and how the loss of traditional fine arts in modern society affects us today.

If you're curious about the science behind why music moves us and how our cultural heritage of art influences our minds, this episode is a must-watch. Prepare to rethink everything you know about music, language, and the very nature of being human!

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Unlock the secret of transformation through imagination with William Blake’s “The Crystal Cabinet.” In this video, I explore how Blake’s vivid metaphors—the crystal cabinet, the golden key, and the mystical portal—reveal a timeless process of inner change and self-discovery. As a modern romantic realist, I blend personal reflections with a detailed literary analysis to show how the power of the imagination can elevate everyday life, reshape our views on love, and inspire creative growth.

In This Video You’ll Discover:

The hidden symbolism behind Blake’s “The Crystal Cabinet”
How our imaginative faculties serve as a gateway to deeper emotional and creative experiences
Ways to balance romantic idealism with practical reality for a more meaningful life
Personal insights on using art and literature as tools for transformative self-exploration
Chapters: [00:00:00] Introduction: Embracing Imagination’s Power
[00:03:29] Personal Reflections: Art as a Transformative Force
[00:07:59] Reading “The Crystal Cabinet”
[00:10:22] Decoding Love, Affection & Inner Realities
[00:22:17] Unveiling the Metaphors: Cabinet, Key & Portal
[00:37:45] Conclusion: Building Your Own Creative Life

Join me on this journey to discover how the imaginative spirit can transform life—and perhaps inspire you to unlock your own inner creative potential. If you enjoy this exploration, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more insights into art, literature, and the transformative power of the mind.

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This a sample of a new translation of the Iliad for young adults that I have completed. I have crafted this from the original greek into Modern English Verse. That is, verse that is readable by a modern reading public.

Support my kickstarter so I can publish this work and do a full recording of all 24 chapters of the Iliad. http://kck.st/3QmrYpk

This is not a re-imagining of The Iliad. It IS the Iliad, but made readable to young people today.