"About Ram" is an experimental theatrical piece using excerpts from the Bhavbhuti Ramayana and told through animation, projected images, dance, masks and puppets.

Ram, the prince of Ayodhya is exiled by his father. His wife, Sita, is kidnapped and kept prisoner by Ravan, the king of Lanka. In the journey and the bloody war that follows with Ravan, Ram becomes a king, forced to choose between the duty of the throne and the love of his wife. He rules alone for the next 10,000 years.

This adaptation looks at Ram as a human being and not as “God.” It traces Ram’s inner journey as a man tormented by his forced separation from his wife Sita. He then fights a fierce battle with the demons to rescue Sita only to be tormented by his own inner demons. Is Sita still pure? Will the people of Ayodhya ever accept her?

"About Ram" was created with a performance grant from the India Foundation for the Arts and in collaboration with animator Vishal Dar.

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Puppets in Portland
September 18-27, 2026
www.PuppetsinPortland.org

A biennial city-wide festival of international puppetry produced by Mayo Street Arts