Based on the kathas and upakathas around the timeless epic Ramayana, this solo dance drama by award-winning danseuse Surya Narayan Rao traces the less-depicted aspects of Ravana’s complex persona.   

Through a gripping choreography, the audience witnesses the prolific scholar, mighty ruler, Veena maestro, and ardent devotee standing at the threshold of his life, reminiscing. As defining moments from his past flash before Ravana’s eyes, his mind harks back to the time he performed sacrificial rites for Rama's victory before their battle, charting his own death; to when he created the veena from his gut to appease Lord Shiva, gaining the title Ravaneshwar; to his encounter with a frog that turned into the beautiful damsel Mandodari, who he fell in love with and married; to his cosmic wish of meeting Rama face to face, a moment eventuated by Shurpanaka’s loss of pride; to the abduction of Sita, along with a piece of earth as proof of his innocuous intent, and other turning points in the journey.   
 
In this unique state of mind, Ravana’s ten heads clamour and clash with disparate opinions, filling him with an array of conflicting emotions. Exasperated, he drowns their voices and listens to the one that matters. Does it lead him to one last victory? Find out through this vibrant multi-lingual production that uses movements inspired by Kuchipudi, Yakshagana, Bharatanatyam, Thang-tha and Chhau dance, along with evocative music, elements of multimedia, and intricate lighting.   

Surya N Rao is a master of diverse genres of movements such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Kalaripayattu, Thang-tha, as well as folk, ritual, and traditional dance forms including the colourful Yakshagana. As a multifaceted performing artist from Karnataka, Rao’s distinguishing feature lies in the fusion of his physical prowess and emotive expressions, along with his versatile skills as a choreographer, technical director, and lighting designer. He runs the Mahamaya Arts Foundation with his wife in Bengaluru.