SAN JOSE: Ramayana, world’s most widely read classic, tells the story of Prince Ram, who, banished from his kingdom, leaves with his true love Sita and brother Lakshman to find a new home. The trio embarks upon an uncertain journey to save the world from the clutches of 10 headed demon Raavana.
Mount Madonna school marked their 36th Annual production “Ramayana” from June 6-8 in San Jose’s Mexican Heritage theater. The show featured a cast of some 200 student actors, ages 3 to 18, accompanied by a choir and adult musicians. It is a story of love, adventure, separation and an eventual joyous reunion, in an ancient allegory of the battle of good and evil. The show was filled with exciting action, spectacular costuming, family humor and original, live music.
Speaking about the introduction of the play, Leigh Ann Clifton, Media and Public Relations officer, Mount Madonna School, says, “Ramayana was introduced by Baba Hari Dass in 1972. But in 1979, the school commenced a production with the students and other children making up the cast”.
The play has grown to be the widely anticipated annual school event of the year in which the entire school participates.
Every child at Mount Madonna School is required to participate in the annual production, either as on-stage performers, musicians or backstage support staff. Bringing Ramayana to life each year is a labor of love for the crew as well, with hundreds of faculty, staff, parents and volunteers contributing in myriad ways, says Leigh.
Behind the dazzling costumes, heartfelt performances and colorful staging are the quiet co-producers Anurag White and Nicole Tervalon.
The 2014 show was directed by Erika Rosendale and Trevor Forry, both alumni of MMS. Both have engaged in recent years as assistants to longtime MMS performing Arts director Sampad Martin Kachuck. They may be less visible but they are absolutely essential to the successful staging of this great epic year after year. A rich performing arts tradition and integrated arts curriculum make MMS performances outstanding.
Mount Madonna school Ramayana is a must see show in Bay area.
Vidya Sethuraman
India Post News Service
