The uniqueness
of our great epics lies in their intrinsic dynamism. The
intervening centuries since their composition has not made
stale their infinite variety, rather it has leant itself
to several interpretation Katha-Surpanakha narrates the
encounter of Rama & Lakshmana, the two Aryan princes
& Surpanakha, the non Aryan princess who falls in love
with them. She proposes to them in the only way known to
her, but the two princes, unable to comprehend her feelings,
ridicule her. The confusion that follows is a result of
a conflict of values of people belonging to two different
communities, rather than a deliberate act of vengeance.
In the presentation, Rama and Lakshmana, are the
incarnations of Vishnu, yet, as they have been born as mortals
are not beyond the human strengths, weaknesses and failings.
Surpanakha, whose side of the story portrays, is shown as
a woman, not as a demon. We have tried to bring out the
various contrasting emotions that exist together in a person.
The sets follow the traditional patachitra style
of painting. The music incorporates many traditional styles
of narrating Ramayan. The effort has been not only to show
the traditional Odissi Classical Dance form, but what more
this dance can incorporate from the parallel art forms of
Orissa.
