Ryder originally did a close to literal translation of this 4th or 5th century play by the poet Kalidasa. Quite unwieldly with 7 acts and over 40 characters. "This version of Shakuntala represents an earnest effort to adapt for modern purposes one of the world's dramatic masterpieces. Since Shakuntala is a true masterpiece, its spirit is thoroughly modern, in spite of the fifteen centuries that have passed since its first presentation in India. [Except for some minor changes described herein,] the matter of the play is that of Kalidasa's Shakuntala with a minimum of verbal alteration." - Summary by ToddHW and Author Cast list: Prologue: Agnes Robert Behr Stage-director: redrun Actress: Lynette Caulkins King Dushyanta: Alan Mapstone All-tamer, his son: Damien Le Madhavya, a clown, his companion: ToddHW A huntsman: lorda Parvatayana, a chamberlain: Rapunzelina Attendant in the king's palace: redrun Kanva, hermit-father: Brian Fullen Harita, hermit-youth: ShrimpPhish Durvasas, an irascible sage: Adrian Stephens Watcher: Elijah Fisher Second watcher: Stacey Malcolm An unnamed hermit: ShrimpPhish Matali, charioteer of heaven's king: Beeswaxcandle The chief of police: Greg Giordano Suchaka, policeman: Sonia Januka, policeman: Jim Locke A fisherman: Elijah Fisher Shakuntala, foster-child of Kanva: Inkell Anusuya, her friend: rrushme Priyamvada, her friend: sarabrown Gautami, hermit-mother: Availle A maid in the king's palace: Norah Nelson Suvrata, inhabitant of the grove of the gods: Agnes Robert Behr Kaushiki, inhabitant of the grove of the gods: Lynette Caulkins Cries behind the scenes: Rapunzelina Stage Directions: dc Editing: ToddHW