In September of last year, the Sutra Dance Foundation’s retelling of the ancient Rāmāyana epic, Jaya Ram, was met with critical acclaim from both industry personages as well as the general public alike. And during a time when the languishing live entertainment scene required a much-needed resuscitation post-Covid, the rhythmic pulses of masterful dance breathed life once more into Kuala Lumpur’s hallowed creative spaces.
Jaya Ram set to make a grand return with Season 2
Now, the cultural foundation is set to once again dazzle Malaysians with another string of performances both in Malaysia and across the Causeway, granting those who have yet to experience its many hues of traditional Odisi dance expressed on the live stage. Appropriately dubbed Jaya Ram Season 2, the restaging of 2022’s sell-out production has already been witnessed in Melaka’s Taman Budaya, as well as Seremban’s Auditorium D’Sury.
Coming ahead, expect a three-day itinerary on home-turf as Jaya Ram prepares to spellbind Klang Valley audiences at the Temple of Fine Arts in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur from the 23rd to the 25th of March, 2023.
This year’s presentation is expected to be no different from that of 2022’s, and will likely be set to reprise its position as one of the largest, most elaborate Odisi shows in the local itinerary. Expect a troupe of more than 20 world-class dancers who have trained under both the Sutra Dance Theatre and Sutra Dance Outreach Programme, as well as veteran musicians who are all experts in their field that have been flown in from India especially for the show.
A local production with international acclaim
And as a dedication to one of the genre’s true luminaries, Odisha dance-maker Guru Gajendra Kumar Panda, it’s no wonder why no expense was spared to ensure audiences remain well-fed with a sumptuous feast for the senses from start to finish.
“When we decided to restage Jaya Ram, we are well aware of the production cost involved. We are extremely grateful to the Temple of Fine Arts for according the venue to us, and not to mention various other support from both individual and corporations that has helped in this initiative of bringing Season 2 of Jaya Ram back to the local stage.
At best, this is an ultimate opportunity for Malaysians and tourists, not exclusive to only dance enthusiasts but fans of the arts, to witness and experience the visual spectacle and brilliant storytelling that is Jaya Ram”, said Datuk Ramli Ibrahim, Founder and Choreographer of Sutra Foundation.
Beyond local shores, Jaya Ram has also been performed to much fanfare in India at the Kornak Festival 2022, the Delhi International Dance Festival (DIAF), and the Khajuraho Dance Festival 2023, lending further credence to its already monumental success in the local arts circuit.
Tickets will cost between RM35.00 to RM105.00, and can be purchased online through their site here. The 80-minute show comes with a 15-minute intermission, and is suitable for audiences aged eight and up.
For more information on the Sutra Foundation and their efforts in promoting and preserving traditional dance culture, check out their official Facebook here.
Tap here to give us a ‘Like’ on Facebook and stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Also read: Rāmāyana’s epic pulses with dynamic, new vigor at Sutra Foundation’s Jaya Ram production
