IN Series to premiere 'Song of Sakuntala' in DC

The IN Series, a Washington DC-based opera company, is preparing to unveil a new opera, Song of Sakuntala , with performances set for early June in the US capital. The work draws on ancient South Asian literature and is being presented as a world premiere by the company.

The opera is adapted from Abhijñānaśākuntalam , a classical Sanskrit play by the Indian poet Kalidasa. The story centers on King Dushyanta and Shakuntala, an ascetic whom he marries, and follows the strain placed on their relationship by a curse that causes Dushyanta to forget her.

Washington dates and venue for the premiere

According to the announced schedule According to the announced schedule, performances in Washington DC will take place from June 7 to June 10 at the IN Series’ Studio Theatre. The company also listed specific dates of June 7, 9, and 10 at that venue. The production is described as a cultural addition to the city’s arts calendar, bringing a narrative rooted in classical South Asian drama to a Washington audience through a new operatic score and staged interpretation. Creative team behind the new opera The premiere is led by a creative team that pairs a new libretto with newly composed music. The libretto is by Snehal Desai, and the music is composed by Kamala Sankaram, the company said.

By reworking a well-known classical source into a By reworking a well-known classical source into a contemporary opera production, the company is positioning the piece as a fresh interpretation of a long-established story while keeping the central plot elements intact.

Extension to Baltimore performances

After the Washington run, the production is scheduled to travel to Baltimore for additional dates. Performances are planned for June 15 and 16 at the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

The choice of venues and the multi-city schedule place the project across two Mid-Atlantic cultural centers, giving the new opera a second presenting location shortly after its initial performances in the nation’s capital.

Diverse operatic narratives in the local scene

The IN Series has framed the premiere as part of its broader commitment to presenting diverse and culturally rich operatic works in Washington DC. The company said its future programming, alongside plans from other DC-based opera organizations, will be an indicator of how the presence of varied operatic storytelling continues to develop in the city.

For audiences, the near-term focus is on the scheduled June dates and the introduction of Song of Sakuntala as a new stage work derived from Kalidasa’s Sanskrit play, with further details expected to be clarified through the company’s ongoing announcements.

Implications

Country Impact: The world premiere adds a new US staging of a story drawn from classical Sanskrit literature, presented by a Washington DC-based company. It also places performances in both Washington and Baltimore within the same month, widening regional access to the production.

Industry Impact: For the opera sector in Washington DC, the production reflects programming choices that incorporate culturally specific source material alongside new creative teams. The company said future schedules from local opera organizations will show whether such narratives continue to expand.

Market Impact: The announced multi-venue run creates a short, time-bound performance window that may influence near-term audience planning for arts calendars in Washington and Baltimore. Any broader effects on the local performing arts market remain uncertain based on the available information.