RAMAYANA

The 4,000 year old epic upon which much of Hinduism is based and one of the most fabulous and exciting stories ever written. The oldest piece of poetry known to man, Rani, who specialised in this work for her degree, has boiled it down to a 35 minute telling with marionettes and it remains the most popular piece in the repertoire.

Featuring Gods Rama and Lakshmana, and Goddess Sita, the demon king of Lanka, Ravana, and childrens' favourite monkey-God Hanuman.

The Ramayana is the story behind the October festival of Diwali so is very popular in the Autumn term, though it is requested throughout the year. In India the story is told with giant marionettes and takes nine days and nine nights to act out in full. Rani tells her own special version of the story and three lucky people get to dress up as the key players, with other volunteers being called on as needed.

Plenty of participation is guaranteed.

Follow-up can be painting a character, painting a marionette, or telling the story from one character's point of view.

Rani generally allows time for questions.

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