A Feminist Retelling of the Ramayana by Ramya Ramnarayan

Ramya Ramnarayan presenting ‘Pengal Potram Raman’ at Krishna Gana Sabha. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

In ‘Thakkukku Dhikkukku’ (Adi) a masked, theatrically attired Soorpanakha (Ramya Ramnarayan) enters with strong movements. She sees Ram and becomes mesmerized (‘Lavanya Ram’, Purna Shadjam, Rupak, Tyagaraja). The moment of surprise was underlined by the song’s poignant tone and enhanced by a beautiful violin capsule. She is unable to take her eyes off Ram and compares her body with Ram’s.

Rajkumar Bharati (music composition) tuned the Valmiki poem ‘Sumukhi Durmukhi’ in Devgandhari, introducing high and low octaves to indicate his and her characteristics.

Ramya played the same character most of the time and in this case it was Soorpanakha. We can see her looking towards Rama and even when she is mutilated by Lakshmana, and running towards Khara, she can only say this while blood is dripping from her face Is, ‘I saw Ram.’

Dushyant Sridhar presented the story-dance ‘Pengal Potram Raman’ along with senior dancer Ramya Ramnarayan. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Ramya Ramnarayan and Dushyant Sridhar’s ‘Katha Nrityam’ ‘Pengal Potram Raman’ introduced new aspects of the women of the Ramayana who were influenced by Rama’s actions, some of whom unknowingly play important roles in the story – Kaikeyi, Surpanakha , Tara and Mandodari. They all had one thing in common – reverence for Ram.

It was an interesting concept, well researched, referencing both Valmiki Ramayana and this Kamba RamayanamThe dance was accompanied by a mini-novelasam courtesy of Dushyant. He connected all the points, so you heard the complete Ramayana with interesting details.

Apart from the compositions of Tyagaraja and Bhadrachal Ramdas, the songs were hand-selected verses from both Valmiki and Kamba versions. The music was sensitively tuned by Rajkumar Bharati, adding dramatic value. The soundscape design was by Sai Sravanam.

In ‘Pengal Pottram Raman’, Ramya Ramnarayan and Dushyant Sridhar present new aspects of the women of the Ramayana who were influenced by Rama’s actions. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

The theatrical route of Ramya was entertaining with dialogues, orchestration and costumes (Sandhya Raman). She is an experienced dancer and remains fit and energetic.

While Ramya’s portrayals were well-rehearsed and had spirit, one felt she left out exploring her protagonists’ darkest moments – an injured Surpanakha still excited about Ram, Tara coming to terms with her dead husband. She is looking at him, getting angry and worshiping Ramal. Women overcoming their inner demons is a big event.