Rama and his wife Sita are living happily in a beautiful forest setting in the wilderness among the dancing birds and animals. But when King Ravana who is far away in the kingdom of Lanka learns that his enemy Rama is living in the forests their peaceful life is threatened.

Performance time: 35 minutes. 5 dancers

The show begins with a 15 minute talk on the elements of Indian dance including hand gestures (mudras), face and body expressions (abhinaya) and footwork.

Following the performance there is a 10 minute Q & A.

Themes:

    • Follow the path of goodness, respect your family

Character Education:

    • Courage, Integrity, Perseverance, Responsibility, Respect

Expectations:

    • Learn about how Indian dance movements are used to tell a story
    • Identify themes and subjects found in the dance work, and make links between these and their own experiences
    • Explain the use of symbolism in dance works (e.g. gestures, eye and head movement in Classical Indian dance)

Contact:

Prologue to the Performing Arts – www.prologue.org
Toronto & GTA Schools: Mary-Beth McMacMillan, 416-591-9092, ext. 224
Outside GTA: Stéphanie Filippi, 1-888-591-9092, ext. 225

and

For presenters and schools outside Ontario, please contact:
Alex Gangurean, Touring Manager, 905-763-6083, ext.22
touring@menakathakkardance.org

Video:

To view a video of the performance, please contact:
Administrator at 905-763-6083, ext. 22

PRINCE RAMA IN THE WILDERNESS

What the Schools Say…

“Probably the best show I have seen at Crescent Town in the 15 years I have been here. The students were totally involved. The session at the beginning showing various elements of the dance was excellent. Bravo to all concerned.” – Crescent Town Teacher

“Excellent showing of the moves before the actual dance drama. Helped the students to understand the plot. Excellent show for elementary school students. It’s always great to see athletic male dancers with graceful female dancers together!” – Teacher The Valleys

“Really well presented and explained. The children thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the boys! The girls loved it too. Great way to present culture and heritage through the arts.” – Teacher Clark P.S.

“I have been at Huron since 1998 and have seen at least 6 performances here annually. This ranks at the top. The explanations at the beginning were clear and fit beautifully with the story that followed. I new nothing of Indian dance before today. The children and I learned so much, we were completely engaged in the performance. The music is still in my head. Outstanding. Essential.” – Teacher Huron St. P.S.

“A feast for the eyes and ears! Very impressive on all level – artistically, dramatically, educationally, BRAVO!”
– Briarcrest Junior School

“A very impressive and interesting arrangement of dance and story. Amazing dancing!" – Milliken P.S.

“An excellent & very entertaining performance. I felt the students were thoroughly engaged and in awe of the performances. Wonderful job!” -- Willowdale P.S.

“It is always great to expose our students to different forms of dance and music. It was also nice for our students to see their culture presented." – Sloane P.S.