“No matter how bad the circumstances be in life, good will always prevail over evil.”

Play Synopsis

This epic Indian tale begins on King Dasaratha of Ayodha’s death bed as the king chooses his son Rama as his heir. His wife Kaikeyi asks that he appoint another son, Bharata instead and she insists that Rama be banished to the forest for fourteen years. Follow Rama, his beautiful wife, Sita and his brother Laksmana as they embark on a journey that tests their strength of character. With a large ensemble, double casting and stage combat this story will challenge your actors and delight your audiences.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

1. HUNMAN – (E)  Hindu Monkey god who helps Rama kill Ravana.
2. RAMA – (M)  Favorite son of Dasaratha becomes king of Ayodhya.
3. SITA –  (F) The wife of Rama, perfect in every way.  Devoted to Rama.
4. LAKSHMAN –  (M) Rama’s brother & twin brother to Shatrughna. He is most loyal and devoted to Rama.
5. DASARATHA – (M) the King of Ayodhya who believes he loses his son due to Karma.
6. KAIKEYI – (F) One of Dasaratha’s wives who wants her son, Bharata to be King.
7. KAUSALYA – (F) One of Dasaratha’s wives. Mother of Rama.  The King’s favorite wife.
8. SUMITRA – (F) One of Dasaratha’s wives. Mother of twins, LAKSHMAN and Shatrughna.
9. BHARATA – (E) One of Dasaratha’s sons who ends up taking over the throne.
10. SHATRUGAN – (E) One of Dasaratha’s sons who is equal to Bharat and Rama in his goodness and nobility.
11. MANTHARA – (E)  Servant to Kaikeyi. They are a bit of a pot stirrer. Should be exiled from the kingdom.
12. BLIND WOMAN – (F) Mother of son killed by Dasaratha many years ago.
13. BLIND WOMAN’S HUSBAND (M)
14. SURPANAKHA – (F) Daughter of Vishrava & Kaikashi.  Evil sister to Ravana who seduces both Rama and LAKSHMAN.
15. VIBISHANA – (E)The younger brother of Ravana. He is of noble character & supports Rama.
16. RAVANA – (M)Evil god over Lanka who wants to kill Rama.  He abducts Rama’s wife Sita.
17. SURGREEVA – (M)Friend of Hunuman who seeks Rama’s help to get his wife from his brother king Bali.
18. BALI – (M)King who ended up taking his brother’s wife.
19. SOLDIER – (E) Ravana soldier who warns him of his possible loss against Rama.
20. THE ENSEMBLE*

DOUBLE CAST ROLES:            
MANTHARA & VIBISHANA
SHATRUGAN & SURGREEVA
KAUSALAYA & SOLDIER
SUMITRA & SOLDIER
SURPANKHA & BLIND WOMAN
BLIND WOMAN’S HUSBAND & RAVANA

*MONKEY’S AND SOLDIERS ARE ALL PLAYED BY WIVES AND THOSE ROLES COMPLETED EARLIER.

This is a Hindu play.  Please rehearse the proper pronunciations on all names and towns.

This story is about Rama the seventh incarnation of the god Vishnu.