Ramaavan: A pathbreaking musical based on the Indian epic

After a successful NYC debut last year, the pathbreaking musical based on the Indian epic
Ramayana makes a comeback this October.
● Oct 20-22: Jersey City
Margaret Williams Theatre, NJCU, Jersey City, NJ
● Oct 25-29: New York City
Cullum Theatre, American Theatre for Actors, NYC, NY
Ramaavan – A Musical is an innovative dance and musical theater experience adapted from the celebrated
ancient Indian epic the Ramayana, that has been loved and revered for centuries. The evolving musical,
written in English verse, has enthralled audiences of a variety of backgrounds and tastes. They have called
Roy’s interpretation of the ancient epic bold, innovative and universal in appeal. The treatment crosses
boundaries of race, bias and preconceived societal notions as well as of traditional genres of dance and
music in retelling one of India’s greatest epics.
Founder and Artistic Director of Surati, Rimli Roy says, “I always wanted to bring a uniquely international
sensibility to the epic of Ramayana. Finding talent that represented a diverse oeuvre of artistic talent that
met my expectations was one of the biggest challenges. All actors are trained dancers and singers who
perform live in this show.”
“We are thrilled to present Rimli Roy’s “Ramaavan – A Musical”, a remarkable interpretation of the
timeless Indian epic, the Ramayana. Surati’s production brings a unique universality to this ancient classic, showcasing a diverse cast, a rich representation of performing art forms, and a profound message of peace and love. Roy’s interpretation of Ramaavan harmoniously aligns with the goals and ideals of IAAC.”, said Rajeev Kaul, Senior Board Member, Indo-American Arts Council.
Performers of different races and ethnicities from different backgrounds are cast and accorded the liberties to explore each character through the lens of their own learnings and beliefs. The families shown are multi-racial, the costumes and props are introduced from various sources, and the artisans creating them come from equally wide-ranging societies. The music and dance blend different styles seamlessly to offer an unforgettable experience to the audience. The multi-hued spectacle ranges from ragas of Indian
classical music to Hip-Hop, Opera and Jazz; from Bharatanatyam, Odissi and Kathak classical Indian dance
to Ballet and Flamenco.
It is worth noting that the actors come from a wide range of cultural backgrounds and ethnicities, and have traveled from all over the US and India as well. While some of them are familiar with the story of
Ramayana and how it is linked to the story of Diwali, many of them heard about it for the first time.
Details and Tickets at: www.suratifpa.org/ramaavan