NEW YORK (TIP): After successful shows in NYC in 2023, and productions in India earlier this year, Surati’s Ramaavan – A Musical returned this fall for 6 shows at the off-Broadway Cullum Theatre in New York City. Ramaavan – A Musical is an innovative dance and musical theater experience adapted from the celebrated ancient Indian epic the Ramayana, that has been loved and revered for centuries. The evolving musical has enthralled audiences of a variety of backgrounds and tastes. They have called Roy’s interpretation of the ancient epic bold, innovative and universal in appeal. The treatment crosses boundaries of race, bias and preconceived societal notions as well as of traditional genres of dance and music in retelling one of India’s greatest epics.

Recently Surati for Performing Arts received their first grant from the NEA for Ramaavan. Founder and Artistic Director of Surati, Rimli Roy says, “We are happy that we are able to stage this production in the Fall too, which is the Diwali season since the show also unravels the story of the festival of lights.”

Consul General Binaya Srikanta Pradhan praised the event, stating, “It was one of the best creative events, and compliments to Ms. Rimli Roy for conceptualizing and bringing it together with a diverse group of artists. I am happy that the essence of the Ramayana was not compromised.”

Hudson County music journalist and novelist Tris McCall shared his admiration for the production, stating, “I was particularly impressed by the quartet of Indian dancers. I loved watching what they did—it’s not a tradition I know very much about, but I thought they danced beautifully. The actress portraying the golden deer was terrific as well.”

Carrying on the tradition, Surati will be hosting a grand Diwali celebration this weekend where they will also perform the songs of Ramaavan on November 15th at Surati Studios in Jersey City. The Ramaavan cast will be present at this event.

Conceptualized, written and directed by Rimli Roy, with music by Sumit and Rajesh Roy, lyrics, verses and dialogues by Arati Roy, Lighting design by Jacob Smith
the cast of Ramaavan includes Jonathan Power, Madison Halla, August Williams, Tanner Hodson, Jeremiah Williams, Umang Sawhney, Persephone Zymos, Chelsea Hart, Hitanshi Patel, Harsha Harikumar, Mihika Keran, Sanika Pophale, Fiona Smith, Kijana Lewis, and Mari Takayama.

Donors and sponsors include the Consulate General of India in New York, Dance NYC, National Endowment for the Arts, Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund, New Jersey Arts & Culture Renewal Fund, Hudson County Office of Cultural Affairs, New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism, Board Members of IAAC Anil Bansal and Rajeev Kaul and other individual donors and patrons.