A troupe of young dancers highlighted the classic Hindu epic, The Ramayana, in a dance drama at the Gateway Theatre in Singapore last week.
The performance was part of a cultural evening titled Chinmayam 2018, organised by Nimali Creations, whose stated aim is to promote arts and culture within the society as well as to develop a love towards the arts scene among the youth so that they take a keen interest in keeping Indian traditions and culture alive.
The troupe of young dancers staged the dance drama Ramarasam this year to tell the story of Ramayana in the simplest way possible so that the youngest of participants would also be able to understand the storyline.
43 participants were involved, with the youngest being six years old.
The story was told from Sita's perspective and was narrated in parts by Lava and Kusha. It covered aspects of the 14-year exile, Surpanaka, Sita's abduction by Ravana, Hanuman's help in the rescue, the Agni pareeksha (fire ordeal), the white horse during the Ashwamedha Yagna and Sita' s return to Mother Earth.
The group also included a few interactive elements in the production too add more flavour.
“We do not work only with fully trained professional dancers, but also include many non-dancers who have a keen interest in the arts. This is to promote the love for the arts and culture among everyone to keep the traditions alive,” the troupe said after the performance
“We also use a mix of instrumental and cinematic music so that everyone can connect with the piece. Our stories are told very simply with familiar music to reach out to the wider audience as they will be able to relate to it better,” they added.
