Theater of Memory

by Barbara Stoler Miller

This volume offers comprehensive analyses and new translations of Kalidasa's three extant "Sakuntala and the Ring of Recollection," "Urvasi Won by Valor," and "Malavika and Agnimitra."

Genres: Plays, Theatre

387 pages, Hardcover

First published April 15, 1984

About the author

Barbara Stoler Miller (August 8, 1940 – April 19, 1993) was a scholar of Sanskrit literature. Her translation of the Bhagavad Gita was extremely successful and she helped popularize Indian literature in the U.S. She was the president of the Association for Asian Studies in 1990.

Reviews

[Erin Ahern · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the introduction and the play Sakuntala and The Ring of Recollection (which was over 130 pages) so I’m counting it. I had to read it for class and do a discussion on it but I really enjoyed it. Lots of nature imagery which was beautiful

[Taylor Swift Scholar · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. All three of these plays are about kings pining for hot young ladies who are not their wives (to become a third or fourth wife). This is hard for me to relate to from my perspective as a woman in 2023 America. However, the love poetry and the way that nature mirrored the lovers' mental states was beautiful. The essays at the beginning of the book provided essential context that helped me to appreciate the plays more.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful translations of Kalidasa's plays and the essays enlighten you in all the corners you'd otherwise miss. Barbara Stoler Miller is a translator who was able to recreate the poetry without losing the meaning.

[Susan]

Read these three plays for SJC Winter Classics, 1/6-1/10/25. Beautiful poetry and observation of nature.

“Like one who doubts the existence/
of an elephant who walks in front of him/
but feels convinced by seeing footprints,/
my mind has taken strange turns”. (Sakuntala and the Ring of Recollection)

[Kyra Krishna]

Sakuntala: The Ring of Recollection, pp. 1-41 and 85-176.

[lizziebeth]

[I read this translation of Śakuntalā and the ring of recollection for class]