KUALA LUMPUR: The timeless epic of the Ramayana will be brought to life in the Shantanand Festival of Arts, hosted by The Temple of Fine Arts, starting Friday (Nov 29).
The main feature production, "I AM RA", is a reimagined telling of the Ramayana, through the eyes of Ravana, the epic's legendary antagonist.
Moving beyond traditional portrayals of Ravana a "villain", "I AM RA" delves into his complex personality, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and conflict.
Presented as a journey through Ravana's final moments, "I AM RA" reveals the layers of this often misunderstood character, offering viewers a glimpse into the humanity that lies beyond his reputation as a demon king.
"I AM RA" runs for three consecutive evenings starting Friday at 7.30pm at the Shantanand Auditorium in Brickfields. Invites are on a 'pay as you wish' basis.
The Shantanand Festival of Arts began its journey in 2014 with a multicultural event that brought together local and international artistes in a celebration of dance, music, and cultural diversity.
Since its inception, each edition of the festival has offered a unique exploration of heritage and artistic expression.
The Temple of Fine Arts is a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting Indian arts and culture.
As part of the 2024 festival, a series of immersive workshops are on the menu including a "Hanuman Zapin Workshop" by Mohd Hazlami Harun.
Running on Nov 30 and Dec 1, from 1pm to 2.30pm, the workshop merges the heroic tales of Hanuman with zapin, a traditional Malay dance.
Participants will learn the fundamentals of zapin while embodying the dynamic character of Hanuman, showcasing the intersection of mythological storytelling and cultural dance.
A Ramayana-themed dinner will be served at the SFA 2024 Gala Dinner followed by "I AM RA".
Guests can enjoy a carefully curated menu inspired by the rich flavours and stories of the Ramayana.