Jay Emmanuel Shiva/Amba/Eklavya/Drupada
Ravin J. Ganatra Dhritarashtra
Born in India and based in Australia, Jay is an award-winning actor, director and the founding Artistic Director of Encounter. He has directed innovative works emphasizing authentic storytelling, including Beneath the Music and Children of the Sea (Perth Festival 2021). As a performer he starred in acclaimed productions like Counting and Cracking (Belvoir St./Co-Curious/Adelaide Festival) and Heroes by Radhouane El-Meddeb. A 2023 WA Multicultural Arts Award recipient and Churchill fellow, Jay is celebrated for his global leadership, community engagement, collaboration and best practices in the arts.
Ravin is based in the UK and his career as an actor has spanned over three decades, including extensive stage, film and television appearances. His work as a producer has recently seen his feature documentary, A Girl Can Touch the Sky , sweep 12 international awards and is streaming globally. Ravin’s other passions are travel and charity and he has started a not for profit to create fundraising adventures. He is delighted to work on Mahabharata , having originally discussed the collaboration with Ravi Jain nearly a decade ago.
Darren Kuppan Duryodhana
Miriam Fernandes Associate Director & Storyteller
Darren has been part of Mahabharata since its humble beginnings many years ago, and he’s so proud of the show it’s become and the special people it’s brought into his life. Using his skills as a dancer and martial artist, bringing the character of Duryodhana to life, has been one of his proudest achievements. His theatre, TV and radio credits are extensive, and he’s worked in some of the most prestigious theatres in the UK, most recently playing Shere Khan in The Jungle Book .
Miriam is the Co-Artistic Director of the Toronto-based international company Why Not Theatre, and has worked as an actor, director and theatre-maker around the world. She is the co-creator/associate director for Mahabharata and the co-creator/associate director of What You Won’t Do for Lov e with Drs. David Suzuki and Tara Cullis. She is currently in development for several new works, including a new adaptation of Enemy of the People. Her directing credits include The Courage to Right a Woman’s Wrongs (Stratford Festival Meighan Forum), Metamorphoses (CDTPS), Hayavadana (Soulpepper Theatre), Nesen (MiniMidiMaxi Festival, Norway) and The First Time I Saw the Sea (YVA Company, Norway). She is a graduate of Ecole Jacques Lecoq (Paris) and has trained with Anne Bogart and the SITI Company. Her plays have been turned into films, published and produced across Canada, the UK, Australia and Norway.
Anaka Maharaj-Sandhu Arjuna
Born on Treaty One Territory, Anaka is a South-Asian, gender non-conforming artist with a passion for storytelling that transcends boundaries. Their work is inspired by a fascination with everyday life and the shared emotional experience of performance. Anaka’s background in political science informs their practice, often focusing on community impact. They aim to challenge traditional narratives by offering fresh interpretations of the ‘classics’. Anaka is honoured to be at Perth Festival, and dedicates this performance to their ancestors and loved ones: for Nanie, Nana, Biji, Grandpa and Darius.
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