The U-M Gamelan Ensemble will present “Lyrical Tension,” a new interpretation of the epic Asian tale, “Mahabharata” at 5 p.m. March 27 in Hill Auditorium. Admission is free.

The Mahabharata is the epic tale of two legendary feuding families—the Pandawas and the Kurawas—whose struggle for world domination climaxes in a battle of mythic proportions.

This dance drama metaphorically questions the ability of war to resolve political conflict.

The production is the creation of renowned dancer-musician Matheus Wasi Bantolo, who teaches at Sekolah Tinggi Seni Indonesia—the foremost conservatory in Java. He currently is an artist-in-residence at U-M. Bantolo and his wife, Olivia Retno Widyastuti, a well-known classical Javanese dancer, will dance the leading roles.

Also joining the cast this year are two other renowned dancers, Pamardi Tjipto Pradonggo and Putri Wigaringtyas. Showcasing basic classical Javanese movements and contemporary dance, the production will use the ancient tale to explore current political issues.

Susan Pratt Walton directs the gamelan, which is part of the School of Music’s Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments. The concert is sponsored by the Residential College, Center for Southeast Asian Studies and the School of Music.

For more information, call Vera Flaig at (734) 945-7378 or e-mail vhflaig@umich.edu.