New York Indian Consulate presents the musical ‘Ramaavan’

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Invitees from New York and New Jersey got a glimpse of director Rimli Roy’s musical ‘Ramaavan’ at the Press meet organized by the Indian Consulate in New York recently.

The Consulate of India presents the musical by Surati For The Arts organization, founded by Rimli Roy, to bring 2023 performances of ‘Ramaavan’ to New York and New Jersey. ‘Ramaavan’ is based on the Indian classic epic, ‘Ramayan’ telling the story of Rama, his exile and King Ravana.

Speaking at the press event, director Rimli Roy said the Consulate had been their biggest supporter this year, and thanked Consul General Randhir Jaiswal for presenting the musical in New York and in New Jersey.

Congratulating the team of Ramaavan, Consul General Jaiswal thanked Roy for bringing a new perspective on the epic Ramayan. Jaiswal said he was not able to watch the musical in the past. “But today I got a glimpse of it. And, let me tell you what awaits the audience is something very exciting, very enjoyable, and a memorable run,” he said. Calling the show a treat, Jaiswal lauded the artists, saying, “My best wishes to the cast in the group. They are wonderful, they are excellent, they are top class.”

This year, Surati has partnered with Indo American Arts Council (IACC). Praising Roy’s talent, Board Member Rajeev Kaul said Roy’s interpretation of Ramayan aligned  harmoniously with IACC goals and ideals. He said, “Ramaavan is a story every Indian knows you have to see every year, because every year when you see it you get uplifted by it.” He commended Roy for her energy, her creativity and her extraordinary vision in bringing that part of Ramayan which will sweep away the audiences. Suman Gollamudi, Executive Director, IAAC said the musical was for all generations.

Surati For Performing Arts has also partnered with The Center for the Arts at New Jersey City University (NJCU) for this year’s performances. As minority serving institution, NJCU’s Center for the Arts aims to promote and present minority artists and their stories. Roy’s ‘Ramaavan’ will bring authentic Indian storytelling to the diverse communities in New Jersey.

Surati for Performing Arts is an organization that works with culturally and ethnically diverse artists, administrators and technicians and individuals with learning and physical disabilities. Surati also runs programs for youth and children, and has awarded 50 student scholarships. Director Roy is herself an artiste, choreographer, producer, and an accomplished Indian classical dancer, trained in Odissi, Bharatnatyam and Manipuri dance.

The English language musical with multi-ethnic and diverse international cast, tells the story of Ram, of duty, honor, love, courage, and revenge. ‘Ramaavan’ presents Roy’s interpretation and concept of the ancient epic, with multi-racial actors in unique costumes. “I always wanted to bring a uniquely international sensibility to the epic of Ramayana,” Roy has said. Actors in ‘Ramaavan’ come from the U.S. and from India. Roy, who is also the Founder and Artistic Director of Surati, said all actors are trained dancers and singers performing live on stage.

‘Ramaavan’ features classical, folk and experimental Indian dance and music. ‘Ramaavan’s music ranges from ragas in Indian classical music to Hip-Hop, Opera and Jazz and the dance ranges from Bharatanatyam, Odissi and Kathak in classical Indian dance to Ballet and Flamenco.

Ramaavan, the musical will have shows October 25 through 29 at the Cullum Theater for Actors in New York City. The musical will also perform October 20 through 22 at the Margaret Williams Theater, New Jersey City University in Jersey City, New Jersey. Tickets can be purchased at www.suratifpa.org/ramaavan.