Sukanya (opera)

Sukanya is a chamber opera in two acts composed by Param Vir, with a libretto by Kenneth Kempson. It is based on the Indian legend of Sukanya from the Mahabharata. The opera was commissioned by the Royal Opera House, London, and premiered there on 12 May 2017 in a production directed by Daniel Kramer.

The opera tells the story of Sukanya, a young princess who accidentally blinds the sage Chyavana. To atone for her mistake, she is compelled to marry him, despite the vast difference in their ages and her initial revulsion. The Ashwini twins, celestial physicians, offer to restore Chyavana's youth and vitality in exchange for sharing his conjugal rights with Sukanya. The opera explores themes of duty, sacrifice, love, and transformation, drawing on both Indian mythology and contemporary musical sensibilities.

The score blends Western operatic traditions with elements of Indian classical music, including ragas and talas. Instrumentation features a mix of Western orchestral instruments and traditional Indian instruments such as the sitar, tabla, and bansuri. The vocal writing often incorporates melismatic passages and microtonal inflections characteristic of Indian vocal styles.

Critical reception to the opera was mixed. Some praised its innovative fusion of musical styles and its exploration of complex themes, while others found the libretto uneven and the staging problematic. However, the opera has been noted for bringing a new perspective to the Royal Opera House’s repertoire and for showcasing a story from Indian mythology to a Western audience.