Theater group in Monroe celebrates 25 years of Indian drama

Monroe — On a warm summer evening, an excited crowd of people ascended a hilltop. There, on an expansive outdoor stage, they witnessed a unique performance of Ramayana, an ancient and classical drama that depicts the eternal struggle between good and evil. The audience was transported back in time to a mythological world of gods and demons, kings and queens and a variety of other characters from all walks of life whose fates unfold and intertwine in mysterious ways. Actors and dancers in colorful costumes moved and swirled not only across the stage, but across the adjacent landscape, virtually bringing the characters into the world of the audience and transforming this vivid production from a play into an interactive experience. This year marked the 25th annual production of Ramayana by the East-West School of Dance on July 29 at Ananda Ashram. The school was formed in 1981 for the purpose of bringing people from different cultures together through the common language of dance and drama. Indeed, the audience at this performance included people of all ages from many cultural and social backgrounds. “Ramayana has always brought a wide variety of people together,” says Pandit Satya Narayana Charka, Director at the East-West School of Dance. “Everyone can relate to this story in their own way. It is based on Hindu mythology, but it tells a story of universal truth that is the same in every culture and language.” This year’s performance was recorded for release on a special DVD commemorating the 25th anniversary. The DVD will contain the full performance, as well as a behind-the-scenes profile of Mr. Charka and interviews with members of the cast and audience. Further information can be found at http://anandaashram.org/e-w.school.of.dance.