by Meru S.
Mount Madonna School in Watsonville, California, will be performing their 43rd production of the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana, on stage this year. It will be held from June 9th to 12th at the Mexican Heritage Theater in San Jose, California. Tickets are now on sale at www.MountMadonnaSchool.org
The Ramayana play has been running annually since 1974. It is performed by a cast of 175 students ranging from preschool to 12th grade. Due to the lockdown in 2020, they were unable to perform that year, but in 2021, they created Ramayana! – the Movie, so people could watch it from home and stay safe.
The production of this timeless tale is complete with live music and songs, dazzling costumes, and impressive props, most of which are put together by the teachers and parent volunteers. The humor, the acrobatic moves, the stunning lighting, and theatrical effects add to an enjoyable experience.
The Ramayana is the story of Prince Rama and his wife, Sita. Rama was born to the eldest queen of King Dasharata, the ruler of the kingdom of Kosala. When Rama reaches the age of sixteen, Sage Vishwamitra asks the king to let Rama come with him to the forest to help protect the sages from the demons who were disturbing their penances. Vishwamitra mentors Rama during their time in the forest. After Rama accomplishes the tasks, Vishwamitra takes Rama to the kingdom of Mithila where the ruler, King Janaka, has arranged that whoever could string the powerful and heavy celestial bow of Shiva, would be the one to marry his daughter, Sita. Rama succeeds in doing this and weds Sita. When the time comes for Rama to be king, Dasharata’s youngest queen commands Rama to live in the forest for fourteen years, as she wants her son to be the king. King Dasharata can not bear to be separated from his dearest son but has no other choice. Rama obeys the order and departs for the forest with his youngest brother Lakshmana and Sita.
Thirteen years in exile pass peacefully. In the fourteenth year, the king of the demons abducts Sita. Rama is grief-stricken. He sets out with Lakshmana to rescue her. They find help from the king of the monkeys and his minister, Hanuman, who becomes a loyal servant of Rama.
Will Rama be re-united with Sita? Discover the adventures of Hanuman on his search for Sita, meet the characters of Jatayu and Sampati the vultures, Jambavan the bear, Maricha the sorcerer, and much more in Mount Madonna School’s musical production, Ramayana!
For show timings, tickets, and COVID-safety protocols, please visit https://www.mountmadonnaschool.org/43rd-annual-musical-ramayana-returns-to-the-stage-june-9-12/
The Lighthouse 