"Enter the light and abide within. Do not waver. It is you."
Anyone who's noticed the cult of personality surrounding the Dalai Lama in the last few years--and the proliferation of Tibetan shops and restaurants, particularly in the East Village--has most likely been drawn to pluck a copy of the "Tibetan Book of the Dead" from a friend's bookshelf and, after a quick peek, plop it right back down.
But you're missing something if you do. No worries: "Blue Sky Transmission: A Tibetan Book of the Dead" is an adventurous and accessible theatrical interpretation of the famous religious text, which is a Buddhist guide to the afterlife. The production, transferred to La MaMa ETC after a run in the Cleveland Public Theatre, sparkles with energy and invention, with terrific performances by an outstanding cast.
Allison (strongly played by Sophia Skiles), a workaholic lawyer, is cracking under the pressures of a strained marriage and the demands of a young daughter. In fact, she's too busy switching between phones to find time to take a soothing bath. Suddenly, struck by an aneurysm, she dies and a flurry of spirit guides and deities surround and propel her into the afterlife, encouraging her to break the bonds with her former self and embrace her fate.
The spectacle of the afterlife, which includes an abundance of singing, dancing, drumming, or chanting, is portrayed with aplomb by the talented cast members; in particular, Kishiko Hasegawa as Samsara (and Allison's daughter) is a revelation, as is Brett Keyser as a white-clothed Variochana. Also marvelous is Karin Randoja as one of the playful deities.
Though one or two dance segments late in the performance cross the line into near-parody, Raymond Bobgan's sharp direction mostly keeps the focus clearly on the emotion of the piece. Also, Halim El-Dabh music is terrific, as is the lighting design by Trad A Burns.