Review - Lanka: An Epic On Stage
When I first heard about “Lanka,” I understood that the production would combine storytelling, dance and martial arts. I was intrigued by the concept, and wanted to know more about the story. Several months later, I had the opportunity to hear the show’s music on Lanka’s Facebook page. While listening to the excerpts of music, I happened across some of the pre-production stills, showcasing beautiful costumes and the sheer artistry of the makeup. From that moment, I was hooked. I knew that if the show made it to Houston, I would be there to watch it.
So what is the story of Lanka? It is a fictional account of what happens after the end of the Ramayana. The empire of Lanka had fallen into the arms of the evil Surpanakha, and this has divided the people of Lanka into two Rakshasa clans – the Mayas slaves under the dark power of Surpanakha on one side, and the Lankans banished to the forest under their leader Maveera on the other.
During the joyus occasion of the birth of Maveera’s son Ekasena, an ancient prophecy is revealed to him by Vishwamitra, the wise sage. The prophecy states that the one who carries the royal blood line of the Rakshasas will bring peace once again to Lanka and that they alone will have the true power to bring together the Lankans and the Mayas. Surpanakha, aware of this prophecy, decides to have a child of her own who will carry the royal blood line. She chooses the most powerful Rakshasa lord to be the father of her child.
However, a girl child is born to Surpanakha. Disgusted and enraged, Surpanakha orders the child poisoned to death. In order to maintain her position of power, she forcibly takes the son of King Ravan and brings him to the palace to raise as her own and as the future Prince of Lanka. The real story of Lanka starts at this point. The story follows various key characters, their life journey and their key decisions which end in a climatic finale about the fulfillment of the prophecy.
From an execution standpoint, Lanka is a show that is well put together. The dramatic audiovisual impact of each scene is nothing short of stunning – whether it’s the props, the background score, the light schema or the artistic makeup. Lead actress Soumya Ashok (Surpanakha) shows amazing dedication and range as an actress, in spite of the limiting prosthetic mask she wears throughout the show so that her character can be depicted as “noseless”. The lead actors of Prakash Mohandas and Madhu Velli are believable in their roles Ekasena and Sarvashura, respectively. Their characters run through a gamut of emotions and keep the audience engaged.
Aaron Alexander (Khara, the Maya Commander) deserves a special mention. His martial arts skills make the fight scenes akin to dancing – lyrical and expressive. Rujuta Narweker (Meera) owns the stage. Not only is her character inspiring, but she also acted superbly.
The dancers and soldiers of Lanka provide a reprieve from the intense storytelling and entertain the audience with their dance moves and fight scenes. Special mention should be given to Itisha Tyagi, Charanya Iyengar, Vikram Kirikera and Srikanth Balaji who play the roles of Nalini, Maithri, Maaveera and the Minister, respectively.
Their characters provide the depth that the story of Lanka is built around. However, it is the Sages (Vikram Doddi, Vishwas Iyengar, Jared Gomez) who steal the show by the mastery in their choreographed piece(s). Whether they are fighting or meditating, one can feel a palpable sense of calm whenever they appear on stage.
The show of Lanka would not be possible without the army of people behind it – the associated cast, crew members, voice artists, stage hands, or people who provided assistance. Walking away from the show of Lanka, the viewers may find themselves questioning their world view or not agreeing with the outcome, but in any case they will be talking about the show!
I wish the cast, crew and family of Lanka a very successful run, and a few dozen encores. If Lanka shows at a city near you, I would encourage you to go experience it.
Editor’s note: Lanka will be performed this Saturday in Dallas. Tickets are available from the Lanka website.
Top Image courtesy of “Lanka: An Epic On Stage”
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Jesal Kapasi Has Written 1 Articles For Us!
