Led by 21 Dancers, the Epic ‘Ramayana’ Ready to Captivate Kuala Lumpur Audiences

Led by a powerful ensemble of 21 dancers, a breathtaking new production of the ancient epic Ramayana is ready to captivate Kuala Lumpur audiences with its sheer visual scale and emotional depth. Scheduled for June 28, 2026, at Kala Mandapam in Brickfields, Mahavidya Dance Theatre’s upcoming Bharatanatyam showcase, titled Ayodhya Putra, promises a theatrical experience that is both grand in scope and deeply accessible to all.

The production brings together its 21-member cast to transform the legendary tale of Prince Rama, Sita, and the ultimate triumph of light over darkness into a vivid, living masterpiece. Utilizing the intense and expressive Vazhuvoor style of Bharatanatyam, the dancers will guide the audience through a shared cultural journey. To ensure the performance resonates with modern viewers, the production features a digital screen with English subtitles, seamlessly bridging the gap between classical tradition and contemporary storytelling. It is a fitting approach for an epic that remains deeply woven into Southeast Asian identity, having evolved locally into Malaysia’s Hikayat Seri Rama, Thailand’s Ramakien, and Indonesia’s Kakawin Ramayana.

Choreographed by Mahavidya Dance Theatre founder Sheela Raghavan, the performance features Suddha Nrittam, regarded as the pinnacle of “pure dance.” In these electrifying segments, the 21 dancers will move in perfect synchronization, not to a melodic tune, but to the thunderous and intricate live percussion patterns. This display of discipline and stamina is matched by a distinguished live musical ensemble performing works by celebrated composers Papanasam Sivan and Nirmala Raghavan, featuring Brahmashri J.J. Prathap Sharma on mridangam, Aravind on percussion, Suganya Jegathesan Sharma on vocals, and Hariraam Tingyuan Lam on violin.

Beyond its artistic grandeur, the performance carries a profound social purpose. Mahavidya Dance Theatre conducts classical dance classes entirely free of charge, specifically targeting children from struggling and less privileged families. By attending this captivating production, the public directly helps sustain this grassroots mission, ensuring that the legacy of dance continues to uplift the next generation.

The curtains will rise on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at 6:00 PM at Kala Mandapam, Scott Road, Brickfields. Audiences are invited to witness this monumental performance where cultural heritage and community spirit meet on center stage.