JAYA RAM | Dance Information

An entirely original odissi production by Sutra Foundation in collaboration with Guru Gajendra Kumar Panda, Jaya Ram brings to the stage the myth of Lord Rama, hero of the epic Ramayana.   

While maintaining the format of traditional presentation, Jaya Ram is a unique odissi production that infuses influences of indigenous folk genres in both music and movement. Commissioned to Guru Gajendra Kumar Panda, one of Odisha’s brilliant dance-makers and frequent collaborator of Sutra for the last four decades, Jaya Ram is the brainchild of the two odissi powerhouses, Gajendra Panda and Ramli Ibrahim, that is a culmination of an in-depth research into the folk-dance genres of South Odisha. Distinguished experts from their respective fields in Odisha were brought on for further consultation on other aspects, including dance, music composition and libretto.   

Revolving around Lord Rama, the work references primarily Ram Leela and Rama Natakam, but also draws inspiration from genres such as Daskathia and Sakhi Nata, traditional forms from the same region. It does not however attempt to replicate the concept of a dance drama or jatra but stays true to the structure of presenting odissi repertoire.   

Jaya Ram can be viewed as a collage of primary episodes of the Ramayana which are familiar to the general audience. The images are then positioned within the context of odissi traditional formats of Mangalacharan, Sthai, Pallavi and more.   

The work centres on Lord Rama and attempts to elaborate on the aspect of his personality as mahapurusha, the highest form of purusha (male principle) and as the upholder of righteous values and dharma as described by Valmiki in his Ramayana.   

Sutra Foundation presented the world premiere of Jaya Ram, a highly anticipated event in the Malaysian dance calendar of 2022, and a befitting celebration of the 65-year anniversary of Malaysia-India bilateral diplomatic relations.   

Jaya Ram will then embark on a Malaysia-India-Singapore tour for its second season ending the tour at Esplanade Theatre on Friday, 28th April 2023 as part of the SIFAS Festival of Arts 2023.  

Show Details

• JAYA RAM
• Date: 28 Apr 2023
• Time: 7.30pm
• Venue: Esplanade Theatre
• Address: 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981

Ticketing Information

• Tickets available on Esplanade
• Price:
• Cat 1 $70
• Cat 2 $55
• Cat 3 $45 $40.50
• Admission Age: 6 and above

Information Source: Esplanade