Ramayana at the Park

  
 

Ramayana at the Park (RAP) is a massive theatrical performance that will be presented in the scenic OUTDOOR settings of the Ruffey Lake Park in Templestowe for an audience of 8000 people over the two performances on 26th November and 3rd December 2006, with a cast of over 70 performers.

It aims to show-case Indian art, culture and values and seeks to unite people from a wide range of different cultural backgrounds in a grand celebration of the essential unity of mankind.

The creative artists will transform the Park into a magical world of Ramayana, with its splendid palaces, mystical forests and awe inspiring battlefields whilst the magnificent cast will bring to life the evergreen characters of Ramayana depicting righteousness, sacrifice, devotion and valour.

On 26 November, a large suburban park in Melbourne, Australia resounded to the roar of clashes between demons and Gods as Chinmaya Mission in Australia celebrated its silver jubilee with a remarkable outdoor performance of “Ramayana at the Park”. Passers by as well as a dedicated crowd of 3000 were treated to a rich, colourful and totally absorbing performance offered by devotees of the Melbourne Mission.

As if carried on the shoulders of Hanumanji, Swami Tejomayananda and Swami Swaroopananda made a dash from commitments in India to preside over the occasion and celebrate the 25-year anniversary of Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayanandaji’s first visit down-under.

The beautiful program for the event featured a special message of congratulations from the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr John Howard, to Chinmaya Mission for organizing Ramayana at the Park. The message included the following:

“Australia is a peaceful, harmonious and inclusive nation that respects all religions and cultures. Australia’s Hindu community has always warmly welcomed the participation of the wider community in its colourful and lively celebrations. Ramayana at the Park is another example of the Hindu community’s commitment to promoting community unity and harmony.

With its origins in ancient India, the Ramayana has inspired many artistic interpretations over the centuries and Ramayana at the Park continues in this tradition.

I commend Chinmaya Mission for organising Ramayana at the Park…”

Eighteen months of work, meetings with local council, promotions, auditions and rehearsals, venue management, sponsorship, building of props and design of costumes and endless meetings in the yajna spirit culminated in a scintillating performance that delighted and inspired the large audience.

The actors brilliantly portrayed the quiet captivating and noble dignity of Shri Rama and the loyal impetuosity of Lakshmana, Bharata’s divine devotion and Mother Sita’s purity. Hanumanji endeared the audience with his playful yet heroic devotion. The demonic forces were extraordinarily convincing. Tataka’s appearance sent shivers up one’s spine, Manthara’s jealousy, Keikeyi’s deluded aggression and Indrajit’s cool cunning. Ravana was brilliantly portrayed, the very embodiment of power and lust. But alas for Ravana and his cronies, all were defeated in a mighty battle by the supreme truth and righteousness of Bhagavan Shri Rama! Jai Shri Rama!

The three hours slipped away quickly as the spell of Ramayana worked its charm. The performance ended with a grand aarti for world peace with all the audience waving candles and the Balvihar children leading the Shanti Mantras.

Special thanks to Nimmi Narasimhan who co-ordinated the whole event and Winston Furlong, the scriptwriter and director and all the countless people who contributed to the big RAP team.

Gurudev encouraged each country in which the Chinmaya Mission has flourished to creatively share the teachings and cultural richness of India with the local community. The forest saga of Lord Rama, Sita Devi and their holy family had a distinctly Australian flavour under the gum trees against a brilliant blue sky with white cockatoos wheeling above, and kookaburras laughing on cue at Shoorpanakha’s ridiculous antics. Ramayana at the Park was a perfect commemoration for the seed planted here twenty-five years ago by Gurudev to promote Dharma just as Shri Rama restored Dharma in his time.

 

   

 
 

 - Hari Om! -