The

RAMAYANA

Bromwell’s Fourth Grade

Lauren Nonino Ben Makinen Don Mills

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2. Announcement and Cast Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 3. About the Ramayana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4. The Story of the Ramayana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 5. Naina’s Prologue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 6. The Ramayana in Rhyme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 7. The Rest of the Ramayana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 8. Personal Narratives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 9. Poems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 10. Musical Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 11. Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . 106

Dedication

to the newest Nonino, our dance teacher’s other big creative project

this year!

1. INTRODUCTION by Lauren Nonino

To say that the 2011/2012 Bromwell fourth grade class is amazing, phenomenal, remarkable, astonishing, dazzling and incredibly talented would be a gross understatement! Working with these young adults on the production of the Ramayana has been one of the most inspiring and satisfying experiences of my career. These students not only took one of my all time favorite epic stories and choreographed their own dances for each scene; they embodied the characters and brought the story to life. This group of fourth graders has truly been one of the sweetest, most mature and talented I have seen yet. Each and every one of the students worked so hard, giving all of their energy and creativity to make the show a success. Thanks to all of their dedication and determination, everything came together as if by magic. Everything from the choreography to the narration, from the lights to the costumes, to the set and the music, so many students, parents and teachers gave of their hearts and souls and the results were outstanding! The whole of the fourth grade community came together and showed amazing talent and teamwork, truly in the spirit of the Ramayana.

For me the story of the Ramayana has always been about personal sacrifice, loyalty and the conquering of good over evil or right over wrong. The story is about the individual’s sacrificing his or her own comfort for the greater good, and for the benefit of human kind. Rama, Sita and Laksmana sacrifice not only their own personal comforts, but also their life in the palace, their kingdom, their fame, their glory and their rights as the rightful heirs to the throne, all for a deeper purpose, for a higher good. In giving up their comfortable palace life, they face so many obstacles and challenges, but in doing so they obtain great depth of character, great dignity and great courage. They succeed in subduing all kinds of malevolent forces and emerge victorious even after so much personal hardship and strife.

In the same way, so many people came together to make this production a success. Students never complained when they had to give up their gym time on Fridays to polish their dances. They never groaned when they had to come in during lunch recess to try on costumes. Just as Rama never argued with his elders upon having to leave for the forest life, teachers never protested at having to sacrifice their time with students so that we could have extra rehearsals! So many parents gave their own personal time and efforts, staying up late to work on the soundtrack, taking time off of work to fit costumes, coming in daily to help with choreography…the list goes on and on. So many people sacrificed their time, their efforts and their talents and came together for the greater good of the project. It has been such an honor and a pleasure for me to work with such a fantastic Bromwell community. What a gift it has been. Thanks to everyone who contributed! This year’s fourth grade production of the Ramayana was as epic as the Ramayana itself!

2.Announcement and

CAST LISTS

ANNOUNCING

The Ramayana A Dance and Dramatic Performance of the Great Epic of India ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Ramayana is an ancient Sanskrit poem of 24,000 verses in seven books. It is ascribed to the great poet Valmiki and dates to the 5th century B.C.E.

“Ramayana” means “Rama’s Journey.” It tells the story of the young prince Rama, an avatar of Vishnu; his beloved wife, Sita; his helpful brother Laksmana; and their

friend Hanuman, the monkey warrior. A series of exciting and mysterious adventures, the Ramayana also explores human values and responsibilities. The triumphant

conclusion of the story of Lord Rama is commemorated today by the festival of Diwali.

Performed by Bromwell’s Fourth Grade Students ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In our presentation, Mr. Replogle’s class will perform the first half of the story. This tells of the birth and childhood of Rama; his years as a student of the sage Vishwamitra; Rama’s marriage to Sita; and her abduction by Ravana, the terrible demon king. Ms. Lewis’ class will perform the second half, which tells of the meeting of Rama and Laksmana with Hanuman; their search for Sita; and the final battle between Rama and Ravana.

Preparations and rehearsals are currently under way! Roles will be announced this week.

The performance date has not been set but will likely be early in November…

We would like to begin planning with our parent volunteers now. We need help with costumes, stage managing, and lights and music!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ramayana Cast List Act I – A-6 (Mr. Replogle’s class)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dasharatha, King of Ayodhya: Will

Kausaulya, his first wife: Saskia A

Keikaya, his second wife: London

Sumitra, his third wife: Emily

Fire Dancers: Lucy W, Sanam, Nikita, Aurelia, Allana, Saskia D, Jessica, Verlee

Rama, the great hero and avatar of Vishnu: Wyatt

Laksmana, Rama’s third brother and best friend: Dakota

Vishwamitra, wise teacher of Rama and Laksmana: Dominic

Demons: Mark, Milo, Danny, Zachary, Luke, Jack, Nathan, Christian

Janaka, royal father of Sita: Christian

Sita, princess and beloved of Rama: Pia

Sita’s handmaidens: Lucy W, Sanam, Nikita, Aurelia, Allana, Saskia D, Jessica, Verlee

Princes who compete for Sita’s hand: Milo, Danny, Zachary, Luke, Jack, Nathan, TJ

Ravana, the king of demons: Jamie

Surpanika, the demon woman: Maggie

Maricha, the golden deer: Emily

Jatayu, the helpful vulture: Alexa

Ramayana Cast List Act 2 – A-5 (Ms. Lewis’ class)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Rama, the great hero and avatar of Vishnu: Sully

Laksmana, his brother and best friend: Sebastian

Sita, Rama’s beloved wife: Ruby

Hanuman, the greatest monkey warrior: Ben

Ravana, the terrible king of demons: Wyatt

Monkey soldiers: Nikola, Kaleb, Aiden

Demon guardswomen: Claire, Ashlin, Willa, Olivia M, Isabella, Gwen

Demon soldiers: Patrick, Dondi, Aiden, Nikola, Colin, Derek, Tim

Water Goddesses: Cecilia, Della

Fire Dancers: Olivia B, Tatum, Della, Paula, Malena, Cecilia, Makena, Isabella

3. ABOUT THE

RAMAYANA

The RAMAYANA is the epic story of Prince Rama's betrayal, exile, and struggle to rescue his faithful wife, Sita, from the clutches of the demon Ravana and to reclaim his throne. Rama is the avatar of Vishnu born on earth to end Ravana’s evil rule. The Sanskrit poet Valmiki originally composed this epic around 500 BC but poets have produced countless versions in different languages since then. Its influence has endured in South Asian literature, architecture, art, dance and music. The RAMAYANA is a beloved and revered story enjoyed for its romance, adventure and its spiritual wisdom. The epic is traditionally divided into several major kāṇḍas, or books, that deal chronologically with the major events in the life of Rama. It starts with the Bala Kanda (Book of Youth), which describes the birth of Rama, his childhood and training and marriage to Sita. The Ayodhya Kanda (Book of the Kingdom of Ayodhya) describes the preparations for Rama's coronation, his displacement as the rightful heir and his exile into the forest. The third part, Aranya Kanda (Book of the Forest), describes the forest life of Rama and the kidnapping of Sita by the demon king Ravana. The fourth book, Kishkindha Kanda (Book of of the kingdom of Kishkindha ), describes the meeting of Hanuman with Rama, the destruction of the vanara king Vali and the coronation of his younger brother Sugriva to the throne of Kishkindha. The fifth book is Sundara Kanda (Book of Beauty), which narrates the heroism of Hanuman, his flight to Lanka and his meeting with Sita. The sixth book, Yuddha Kanda (Book of War), describes the battle between Rama's and Ravana's armies, Ravana’s death, and the return of Rama and Sita to Ayodhya.

- Rohini Saksena

4. THE STORY OF THE

RAMAYANA

1. Bala Kanda Dasharatha, the king of Ayodhya, has three queens: Kausalya, Keikaya and Sumitra. He has been childless for a long time so he performs a fire sacrifice. Four sons are born. Rama is the first, born to Kausalya. Bharata is born to Keikaya, and Sumitra gives birth to twins named Laksmana and Shatrughna. Each of the sons is blessed by Vishnu, especially Rama. When Rama is sixteen years old, the sage Vishwamitra comes to the court and singles him out. It is decided that Rama will become his new student. Rama is followed by Laksmana, who becomes his older brother's constant companion. Rama and Laksmana receive instruction and supernatural weapons from Vishwamitra. They defeat the demons who have been harassing Vishwamitra’s village. A feast is held by the king Janaka to celebrate his daughter Sita. At this feast, there is a contest. King Janaka possesses an immensely heavy bow, presented to him by the

god Shiva. Whoever can wield the bow will marry Sita. Only Rama is able to wield the bow - in fact, he is so strong that he breaks it! Rama and Sita are married. 2. Ayodhya Kanda Dasharatha expresses his desire to pass his crown to Rama. But his second wife, Keikaya, is jealous and reminds the king that long ago he had promised to grant her two wishes. Now she demands that Rama to be exiled into wilderness for fourteen years, and that her son Bharata inherits the crown instead of Rama. The king is heartbroken but cannot break his word. Rama accepts his father's reluctant decree and leaves the palace. Although he protests, he is joined by Sita and Laksmana. Bharata takes the crown, but only as regent until his brother Rama returns from exile. 3. Aranya Kanda Rama, Sita and Laksmana journey along the banks of a river. They are visited by a demon woman, Surpanika, the sister of Ravana. She attempts to seduce the brothers and, failing in this, attempts to kill Sita. Laksmana stops her by cutting off her nose. When news of these events reaches Ravana, the king of the demons, he resolves to destroy Rama by capturing Sita with the aid of the demon Maricha. Maricha assumes the form of a golden deer and captivates Sita's attention.

Sita pleads with Rama to capture the deer. Rama chases it into the forest, leaving Sita under Laksmana's guard. After some time, Sita hears Rama calling out for help. Afraid for his life, she insists that Laksmana rush to his aid. Laksmana refuses, but Sita insists. He leaves her inside a magic circle that will bar all demons. With both men gone, Ravana appears in the guise of a wise man and requests Sita's hospitality. Sita welcomes him inside the circle. Ravana reveals himself and carries her away. Jatayu, a vulture, tries to rescue Sita, but is mortally wounded. Rama and Laksmana return and learn about Sita's abduction from Jatayu. They immediately set out to save her. 4. Kishkindha Kanda Sita is taken to Ravana’s demon city on the island of Lanka, where she is kept under heavy guard. Ravana demands she marry him, but Sita is eternally devoted to Rama and refuses. Meanwhile, Rama and Laksmana meet Hanuman, the greatest of the monkey warriors. Hanuman learns that Sita was taken far across the ocean. 5. Sundara Kanda Hanuman is the son of the wind god, and is able to fly across the ocean to Lanka. He explores the demon's city and spies on Ravana. He locates Sita in Ashoka Grove, and sees how she is wooed by Ravana and threatened by demon women. Hanuman presents himself and gives her Rama's signet ring as a sign of good faith. He offers to carry Sita back to Rama, but she refuses. She says that Rama himself must come and avenge the insult of her abduction. Hanuman then wreaks havoc in Lanka. He allows himself to be captured. He is condemned and his tail is set on fire, but he escapes his bonds. Leaping from roof to roof, his tail sets fire to one building after another. Then he leaps back to the mainland. 6. Yuddha Kanda Hanuman tells Rama and Laksmana of his discoveries. They proceed with their warriors toward the coast that faces Lanka. Rama prays to the gods of the ocean. The monkey warriors construct a bridge of floating rocks across the waves. The princes and their army cross over this bridge to Lanka. A lengthy battle ensues and ends when Rama kills Ravana. Rama and Sita have finally reunited, but Sita must undergo Agni Pariksha (the test of fire) to prove her purity. When Sita plunges into the sacrificial fire she is blessed by Agni, the lord of fire, and this proves her innocence. The years of exile are now over, and Rama returns to Ayodhya with Sita and Laksmana, where he is crowned king.

5. Naina’s

PROLOGUE NAMASTE Shri Ram Vishnu Ka Avatar Hain Rama is a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu Ramayana unki katha Hai The Ramayana is his story Sarva Pralham Ram ka Vangaman Rama’s exile to the forest Swarna Mrig ka Mara Jana The killing of the golden deer Sita ka Haran Sita’s abduction Jatayu ka Maran Jatayu’s death Sugriva se Maitvi Sugriva’s friendship Vali Vadh Vali’s death Sumdra Par Jana Ocean’s crossing Lanka ka Dahan Lanka’s destruction Uske Bad After that Ravana Ka Vadh Killing of Ravana Yahi Ramayan Hai This is the Ramayana

6. The Ramayana

IN RHYME

1. INTRODUCTION To Ayodha’s great king Dasharatha was born a princely boy Who would put an end to wickedness and give his people joy. His skill with bow and arrow brought him everlasting fame And all the world now knows that Ramachandra was his name.

2. THE BIRTH OF RAMA AND HIS BROTHERS The king wants an heir for his great throne, a noble son, but none of his wives can ever give him one. He has three empty wives with their poor empty lives. Because the king cannot be given a child he and his wives go to the fire burning wild. They take part in the ceremony of fire and ask for the children of their desire. To make the fire ceremony, logs are set alight. Blazing spires of crimson flame shoot up into the night!

Fire, fire! Climbing higher! The fire is crackling and popping, The fire is dancing and hopping. Flames bright and yellow burning! Flames red, twisting and turning! Sparks flying, ashes churning!

The fire holds the answer to the king’s greatest wish. The answer to the wish is inside of a dish. The dish is brought to the king by a spirit from the fire. The food inside the dish will grant his heart’s desire. He feeds the magical food to each of his wives, they each will soon have children in their lives. 3. RAMA GROWS TO MANHOOD

Rama and his brothers grow tall and strong. Rama and Laksmana especially get along. They become truly the best of friends and promise to stick together to the end. One day, Vishwamitra, a guru ancient and wise visits and spots Rama with his keen eyes He sees that Rama is a special and needs his instruction to grow up and bring the demons to destruction. He takes Rama from the court to teach him a warrior’s skills Laksmana goes wherever Rama goes, and always will.

The two young men each get a handsome bow. Vishwamitra teaches them to move to and fro. They learn fast, how to shoot and how to fight. They practice every day and night. When they are ready, Vishwamitra reveals his plan. He wants them to destroy the demons in his land. He asks Rama and Laksmana to fight the demons because they interfere with the prayers of the people night and day. Rama and Laksmana promise to do their best. Until this task is complete, they will not rest. 4. THE BATTLE OF THE FLYING DEMONS Flying in the forest, through the trees soaring, Demon soldiers are shouting and roaring. They fight with their strong teeth and long claws. They have scary eyes and slavering jaws. It will be a huge battle, man against beast. What will kill the beasts will be the least – a shot with a small arrow to the eye will make them collapse and cry, and then they will finally die.

The demons attack from the sky. The demons growl and then they fly! They fly through the air, they are as strong as bears. But Rama and Laksmana do not scare. The demons scream and fly all around. But Rama and Laksmana are honor bound. They face the demons and shoot them down. The demons they kill. It’s a big thrill!

5. THE COURTSHIP OF SITA The lovely Sita waits in wonder with her handmaidens near the tree she is under. Princes come from great cities all around, each hopes that this is his bride he’s found. Some young, some old, some strong and proud, some are quiet, some are loud. A long line of princes, each one filled with hope for wooing. But they don’t realize what they are supposed to be doing. Each one must try to prove his worth by lifting the heaviest bow on earth. The challenge is to lift the great bow that belonged to the Shiva, long ago. The winner will earn Sita’s hand, the fairest princess in all the land.

But the terrible weight of Shiva’s mighty bow breaks their spirits and brings them low. It makes their muscles seem like dough. They try to be fast, they try to be slow, they try to be strong but the bow is long, and the bow is thick as if made out of brick. To win Sita’s hand the noble princes come but they fail and their hopes are all undone. The bow is very big and it is very important for this gig. The men cry and watch in shame, none of them will earn Sita and fame. They attempt to lift this heavy bow, but they all fail with great sorrow. Except for one young mighty man, who lifts this bow with one strong hand, The amazing Rama not only lifts the bow. He breaks it without even lifting a toe. Rama wins Sita’s hand in marriage, and they will soon ride off in a pretty carriage. Rama and Sita are glorious as they wed. They will be married until they are dead. Now it is time for a celebration! Happiness fills the nation. Queens dancing with hands together, hearts dancing together forever.

6. RAMA IS BANISHED Elsewhere, there is only sadness, there is no joy. The king’s second wife can only think of her own boy. Beautiful Keikaya wails and weeps in her room, If Rama becomes king, she fears it means her son’s doom. Then Dasharatha comes and Keikaya sees her chance, but how? He has promised her two boons and she wants them now. Sweetly, so sweetly, she asks for her two boons but when she speaks the king’s heart feels as cold as the moon. The first boon: her son – not Rama – shall be made the king. The second: Rama shall be sent away from here and everything. Then she demands her boons like an angry baboon. She cries and cries, she even lies. She wants Rama vanished, and from the kingdom he is banished! The great ruler is bound by his wife’s demand and must banish Rama, and send him from their land. Prince Rama never sees his noble father after this day, For in grief at Rama’s exile, the old king passes away.

7. LIFE IN EXILE With his brother Laksmana and Sita, his faithful wife, Prince Rama leaves the kingdom for the forest life. Amid the shady trees they dwell, no jewels or crown or throne. For fourteen years they wander and call the wilderness home.

8. SURPANIKA’S ATTACK Evil Surpanika is the sister of the demon king. Mighty Ravana is her brother, and he will always bring terror and fear to anyone who stands in their way. Surpanika gets what she wants every day. She tries so sweetly to win over Rama, but to no avail, Then she goes to Laksmana, but with him, too, she fails. Her anger makes her reveal her true ugly soul, and it shows her heart, which is as hard as coal.

Neither Rama nor Laksmana will agree to be wed so she turns to revenge instead. Surpanika chases Sita hear and there, Surpanika chases Sita everywhere. She wants to kill her and destroy what is fair. To defend Sita, what do you suppose? Laksmana cuts off Surpanika’s nose! She screams in anger, she will get them back! She will call on her brother to come and attack! 9. RAVANA’S TRAP Ravana, the dark and evil demon lord, thinks about his sister and revenge is his word. He calls to Maricha and says, “Look here, I want this Sita,” he says with a sneer. Maricha magically turns into a deer.

Sita and Rama don’t know that trouble is near. The demon Maricha in the shape of a golden deer comes through the forest until Sita was quite near. Looking into the forest, Sita spots a deer with golden fur. It dances in front of her and seems so beautiful and pure. Dancing across the forest, the golden deer leaps. Sita wants that beautiful creature for keeps. She kindly asks her husband Rama, “Please catch the deer for me,” so Rama goes to catch the deer for Sita to forever see.

Laksmana promises he keep Sita safe and be her guard. But then the demon calls in Rama’s voice and it is hard. Laksmana leaves Sita and goes to help his brother, But it isn’t Rama’s voice, it is a trick by another. Rama runs through the forest and chases the deer He doesn’t realize there is something to fear. He chases the deer, on and on but he captures a demon. The deer is gone! Laksmana arrives in great haste and Rama realizes the chase was a waste.

Sita is left all alone back at their home to stay, only a magic circle to keep demons away. Ravana comes in a humble disguise, He looks like a wise man in Sita’s eyes. So Sita invites Ravana in, past the circle’s magic spell, then she realizes he does not mean her well! Ravana grabs her and shows his true evil face. Sita wishes she had never welcomed him in that place. Ravana puts Sita in his flying chariot of gold, and flies away feeling happy and so bold.

10. JATAYU Jatayu the vulture sits strong and proud on an old brown log. Then he sees a flying chariot being pulled through the fog. He hears princess Sita crying out for help. He leaps out of the tree and follows the yelps. He battles with Ravana but gets his wings cut off. And after that he falls to the earth with a cough. Jatayu the strong vulture goes through horrible torture trying to save the senorita whose name is Princess Sita. Ravana and Laksmana find Jatayu on the ground. He weakly tells them what has happened to Sita so fair, how she was taken away by Ravana through the air. Then the noble bird dies, and can say no more. Now Rama understands that Ravana means war. Rama is heartbroken, and he does not know which way Ravana and Sita did go.

11. RAMA AND LAKSHMANA MEET HANUMAN Rama and Laksmana search the forest far and wide but in spite of their endeavors, no Sita do they find. Then they meet Hanuman, the valiant monkey king, who vows to search everywhere until Sita he can bring. Rama, Laksmana and Hanuman become great friends. Hanuman says he will search the earth from end to end. He will not rest until he has seen and helped Sita, Rama’s beautiful queen Rama gives Hanuman his own ring as a sign that they are friends through rain or shine. 12. SITA IN CAPTIVITY There goes Ravana through the sky, over the houses and streets, taking poor Sita to an island full of ugly demon cheats. “Help Rama, help!” Sita had very loudly yelled. Ravana’s grasp upon her was tight and it held. They fly to the island of Lanka, so very far away. Ravana says, “Welcome to my garden – you’ll forever stay!” Ravana imprisons Sita in his beautiful garden. Then the demon women come and don’t give her any pardon. The demon women they taunt and tease, all Sita wants is just a little quietness and peace. Sita sits with a nervous look in her eye, then Sita starts to cry.

The ugly demon women see Sita sad and lonely. They dance in a circle around poor Sita slowly. Sita smells a very gross and pungent scent that tickles her nose, the demon women almost attack her, she is spellbound in a pose. Around Sita then comes a group of demon guards. It almost seems like they are about to bombard. “Marry Ravana,” the demon guards screech, but they keep their distance, just out of reach. Extraordinary creatures crowd in from all sides, Never ever caring less of how much Sita weeps and cries. Sita sits with tears in her eyes, hoping Rama will come before the next sunrise. Demon guards haunting, Demon women taunting, and teasing with all their might. Finally Hanuman comes, just before night. Demon women dance round and round until they hear a strange sound – the sound of Hanuman on the wind coming near. The demons women listen with fear!

13. HANUMAN ARRIVES IN LANKA As the son of the mighty wind god, Hanuman can fly with ease. He takes one huge jump and leaps across the seas. He vows to go to Lanka, the demon-king’s great city. He knows if he is captured the demons will show him no pity. Hanuman leaps over the wide, blue, sparkling, ocean, and as he draws near, he can hear the demon commotion. Then into the garden, Hanuman comes creeping. He finds Sita and uses his magic, so the demon women are sleeping. In the courtyard all alone, just sleeping demons near, Sita greets Hanuman without fear. He gives to her a ring he has brought from her dear lord, and seeing this, Sita knows that she can trust Hanuman’s word. “Here is Rama’s shiny ring,” Hanuman very excitedly yelps. Sita recognizes it, but says, “I must have Rama’s own help.”

Hanuman has come to Lanka with a grand leap. He sees that Sita’s love for Rama is still deep. Even though Rama is not near, Sita is calm and feels no fear. Hanuman explains to her that he’s Rama’s messenger, And that he can carry her on his back and rescue her. Hanuman says, “Rama sent me to give you help!” But Sita says, “I must remain here until he comes himself.”

14. THE DEMONS CAPTURE HANUMAN The demon women awaken and raise the alarm. Demon soldiers march in to do Hanuman harm. The foolish demon soldiers all dressed up in battle suits, they set Hanuman on fire but of course he gets loose. They do not know of Hanuman’s might so they tie him up and set his tail alight. But Hanuman escapes easily, and with his tail on fire he turns the city of Lanka into a flaming pyre. Fire! Fire! Climbing higher! The fire is crackling and popping, The fire is dancing and hopping. Flames bright and yellow burning! Flames red, twisting and turning! Sparks flying, ashes churning! Hanuman’s tail burns Lanka’s buildings into ashes. The fire grows greater wherever Hanuman dashes. Up down up down Hanuman sets fire to the city. The demons burn and die, oh, what a pity.

15. HANUMAN RETURNS WITH GREAT NEWS Hanuman returns to Rama with his great news. He has found Sita, now they can go and set her loose. Sita is waiting for Rama to come and help her leave. Rama hopes she won’t have a heart full of grief. 16. RAHM PRAYS TO THE OCEAN Rama says, “I must cross the ocean to find my lovely wife. If we are reunited, we can live a happy life.” Rama offers a prayer to the great ocean. The waves say they will help him until he’s won.

17. THE MONKEYS BUILD A BRIDGE Hanuman can fly across the waves like a hawk, but the others are stuck for they must all walk. Then the monkeys Nal and Neel have an idea that shocks: “We will build you a bridge across the sea using rocks!” And away they go, monkeys building the bridge. They take all the stones from a nearby mountain ridge. With courage and might, monkeys building the bridge. Walking across the ocean, monkeys building a bridge. Monkeys building a bridge, look at them go, lifting great rocks, making a show. No there is no need for a boat to row! They scatter along and sprint fast across the big and wide sea, while little slow monkeys loudly yell, “Wait up for me!” The furry monkeys build the bridge strong and tight, so they can go the island for the brave, fearless fight. The monkey soldiers labor hard to build a bridge of stones to bring Rama’s army across the ocean and to the demon’s throne.

18. THE GREAT BATTLE On reaching Lanka, Rama’s soldiers and the monkeys conquer all. The evil ruler Ravana sees his demon soldiers fall. Clang! Clang! Clang! Lanka is once more in flames! Rama will defeat Ravana’s game and nothing will ever be the same. Swords and arrows clanging together. It sounds like thunder in the sunny weather. Clang! Clang! Rama brings Ravana down in shame. The monkey soldiers cheer, and feel they will win the game.

Rama draws and shoots a mystical arrow. Rama is the lion and Ravana is the sparrow. Rama is the arrow-shooting ace, not Ravana with his grim monster face. Rama’s eyes ablaze with anger, his mighty arrow flies.

Rama’s great strength prevails, and the demon king dies. Burning arrows and mighty spears flew, But Prince Rama’s mystic arrow split the demon’s heart in two. 19. THE FIRE CEREMONY Sita is very happy that Rama is here and that evil Ravana is no longer near. But there is one more challenge that they must face. A fire ceremony must be created in that place. Sita will enter the fire with all her dignity and grace. A big fire, hot enough to make water boil! Poor Sita is thrown in to prove that she is loyal. Sita had hoped that Rama knew, but now she must prove she was true. Sita goes through fire because of Rama’s desire to prove that she was always loyal to him. When she steps forward, she is very grim. Fire! Fire! Climbing higher! The fire is crackling and popping, The fire is dancing and hopping. Flames bright and yellow burning! Flames red, twisting and turning! Sparks flying, ashes churning! Sita goes into the fire but she does not burn. She inspires everyone when she safely returns.

19. RAMA AND SITA REUNITED When Sita and Rama are finally together as one, They bring joy to everyone! They feel joy as bright as the sun. Now Rama and the beautiful Sita reunite, There will be no more moments of sorrow or fright! Now they can return to their marriage. They fly away in a beautiful golden carriage.

20. EPILOGUE Lord Rama has rescued Sita from loneliness and fright. The reunited couple now leave the dreadful battle site. And like the moon in splendor, Ramachandra journeys home. His banishment now over, he returns to claim his throne.

7. The Rest Of The

RAMAYANA

The Ramayana is a long epic, rich with interesting characters and compelling episodes. Unfortunately, our adaptation left out many parts of the story. Some episodes were deleted because of time constraints, and others because of the technical limitations we faced. We just couldn’t figure out how to create a battle of giants! In this chapter, you’ll read about some of the interesting stories that we couldn’t include in our production. When Keikaya claims two boons from her husband, King Dasharatha, it is because she has been provoked and then goaded by her wicked servant, Manthara. Manthara is infamous in the Ramayana, and no doubt she would have provided some student with a fun role to perform. Another important character is Bharata. He is Rama’s brother and

Keikaya’s son. Although named as king because of his mother’s scheme, he is faithful to Rama. He insists that he will only act as regent until Rama’s exile is over, and he places a pair of Rama’s sandals on the throne to remind everyone that Rama will someday return to his proper place. The demon woman Surpanika has a brother named Khara. He and his warriors attack Rama and Laksmana to avenge the insult to Surpanika, but they are all killed in a tremendous battle. When we decided the show was running too long, that battle was cut out of our version, rather like Surpanika’s nose!

A long story concerns Hanuman’s people and the monkey citadel Kishkindha. Hanuman is a follower of Sugriva, the rightful ruler of Kishkindha. Like Rama himself, Sugriva has been sent away into exile. Rama and Laksmana help Sugriva defeat his brother, Bali, and claim his rightful throne. Sugriva promises to help Rama in return. This episode also includes an important female character, Tara. She is the wife of Vali and offers a powerful lamentation when he is killed in battle. Later, she is instrumental in bringing about a reconciliation between Sugriva and Laksmana when differences threaten their alliance. Tara is known for her intelligence and courage. She is considered on of the panchakanya, or “five revered women.” Jatayu is not the only good vulture in the Ramayana, and we just missed including the second good vulture of the epic. He is named Sampati and is the watchful creature who is able to tell Hanuman of Sita’s captivity on Lanka.

As Rama and his army approach the sea separating the mainland from Lanka, they meet Vibhishana. He is Ravana’s renegade brother; in other words, a good guy! He turned against his brother because he does not agree with Ravana’s kidnapping of Sita. He helps Rama, and after the death of Ravana he becomes the new king of Lanka. The climactic battle of Lanka is much longer and more detailed than in our production. One of the warriors in this final battle is Indrajit, the son of Ravana. Indrajit is a magician as well as a fearsome warrior. He fights with Laksmana three times and defeats Laksmana twice before being defeated in turn during in their third engagement. Kumbharkana is Ravana’s brother, and a giant. He would sleep for months at a time and then would be so hungry upon awakening that he would devour anything

in front of him. Ravana has trouble waking up his

brother in time for the battle, and only succeeds after driving one thousand elephants across the giant’s sleeping body. Upon awakening, Kumbarkhana tries to convince Ravana that he should surrender to Rama, but he fails and goes on to fight out of loyalty. In battle, Hanuman assumes gigantic form in order to grapple with Kumbarkhana, but Hanuman is injured, and Sugreev is taken prisoner. Finally, Rama defeats the giant by cutting off his head and limbs. Laksmana is severely injured during the battle of Lanka. Hanuman is sent to find the Sanjivani, a life-restoring herb that grows upon the Dronagiri Mountain in the Himalayas. Hanuman flies away toward the Himalayas but is met by the sorcerer Kalanemi, who tries unsuccessfully to block his way. Arriving at Dronagiri Mountain, Hanuman cannot

find the herb. Meanwhile, Ravana uses magic in an attempt to cause the sun to rise early, because it was foretold that Laksmana would die if he was not given medical aid before sunrise. Hanuman, realizing the danger, grows to giant size in order to stop the Sun God, and then picks up the entire mountain and flies with it back to the battlefield. The physician Sushena then is able to find the herb and save Laksmana. This is an exciting and fantastical episode, but we just couldn’t figure out how to make it work on Bromwell’s stage. There are many other incidents and characters (human, animal, and mythological) that we could not include. in our production There is even a seventh book to the Ramayana, which deals with the twin sons of Rama and Sita. They are

named Lava and Kusha, and grow up in secret in the forest, living at the ashram or heritage of the sage Valmiki. Read about them, and these other fascinating characters, by looking online or visiting your local library.