Dasaratha, king of Kosala, is childless and desperately wants a son to succeed him as king.

He asks his mentor for help.

His mentor remembers a vision in which the gods appealed to Vishnu to help them defeat Ravana, a demon who uses
his powers for evil. Vishnu agreed to incarnate as a human to defeat Ravana. The messenger tells Dasaratha to call a
specific sage to conduct a sacrifice. When the sacrifice is complete, Dasaratha's three wives bear sons. Kausalya has
Rama, Kaikeyi has Bharatha, and Sumithra has the twins Lakshmana and Sathrugna.

One day, the sage Viswamithra comes to Dasaratha and asks that Rama accompany him to protect him during a
sacrifice. Dasaratha is heartbroken, but agrees, and sends Lakshmana with Rama. As Viswamithra travels with the boys,
he tells them the story of a demoness named Thataka. Thataka appears and threatens to eat the travelers, but
Viswamithra instructs Rama to kill her. Rama does, and the gods ask Viswamithra to teach Rama about weapons.
Viswamithra tells the boys several more stories before they reach the site of the sacrifice. Rama assures the sages and
saints of their safety as they begin the sacrifice, and he shoots the gathered demons with his bow. Viswamithra then
takes the boys to Mithila City.

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When they enter the city, Rama sees a beautiful young woman on a balcony. The woman, Sita, sees Rama as well and is
immediately overcome with love for him. She spends the night moving from bed to bed, trying to get comfortable. Rama
does the same. The next day, Rama meets King Janaka. When he sees Rama, Janaka laments that Rama can't marry his
daughter, Sita: he set the condition that a suitor must be able to lift and string Shiva's bow, a massive bow once owned
by the god. Viswamithra asks if Rama can attempt to string the bow. Rama not only strings the bow, he breaks it. A
handmaid tells Sita, and she's overjoyed to learn that Rama won her hand. Janaka invites Dasaratha to the wedding in
Mithila. After the ceremony, Rama's brothers marry other women from Mithila, and they return to Ayodhya, the capital
city of Kosala.

Dasaratha realizes he's getting old and names Rama his successor. Rama accepts this, and they begin to prepare for
Rama's coronation the following day. Everyone is happy that Rama will be king except for Kooni, Kaikeyi's companion.
She convinces Kaikeyi that Rama will treat her poorly if he's crowned king. When Dasaratha comes to Kaikeyi that night,
she asks him to grant her two boons that he promised her years ago, and asks that Dasaratha banish Rama to the forest
for 14 years and crown Bharatha king instead. Dasaratha doesn't want to agree, but feels he must. The next morning,
advisers find Dasaratha and Kaikeyi, Dasaratha in a faint. Kaikeyi explains what happened and asks for Rama. When
Rama arrives, he agrees to go into exile. Ministers, Lakshmana, and Kausalya attempt to convince Rama to stay, but he
insists on leaving. Rama dresses in clothes made of bark. Though he tries to convince them to stay, Lakshmana and Sita
insist on joining Rama in exile. As Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita leave the city, a sad crowd follows them. Sathrugna helps
the three escape unnoticed that night. When he tells Dasaratha the next day that Rama left, Dasaratha dies. When
Bharatha returns to the city and finds out what happened, he dresses in bark and goes to Rama to try and convince him
to return. Rama insists on remaining in exile, however, and Bharatha decides to rule as a regent from outside the city.

Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita travel far away from Ayodhya so that people won't come to convince them to return. They
meet Jatayu, a great eagle who was a friend of Dasaratha's. He promises to protect Rama until he can return from exile.
One day, Rama sees a beautiful woman approaching their dwelling. Though she uses a fake name, she's Soorpanaka, a
demon and Ravana's sister. She tries to woo Rama and convince him to marry her, but he refuses. Soorpanaka spends
the night in agony and decides the next morning that if she can kill Sita, Rama will love her. When Rama leaves the
dwelling the next day, Soorpanaka stalks Sita and jumps on her. Lakshmana rescues Sita and chops off Soorpanaka's
nose, ears, and breasts. When Rama returns, he tries to explain to Soorpanaka who he is, but it has no effect on her.
Rama tells Lakshmana that he can kill Soorpanaka if she won't leave.

Soorpanaka crashes into Ravana's court and tells him what happened. She tells him that Sita is exceptionally beautiful
and Ravana should take her for himself. Ravana falls in love with the image of Sita that Soorpanaka creates and goes to
his uncle Mareecha for help. Though Mareecha is a demon, he's trying to live a virtuous life. Ravana threatens
Mareecha, and Mareecha agrees to help abduct Sita.

Mareecha turns himself into a golden deer and walks near Rama's home. Sita sees the deer and asks Rama to capture it
for her as a pet. Rama agrees and goes to chase the deer, leaving Lakshmana to guard Sita. Rama chases the deer for
miles before he realizes it's a trap. He shoots the deer, but with his dying breath Mareecha impersonates Rama and cries
for help from Sita and Lakshana. Sita hears the cry and convinces Lakshmana to go help Rama. When Lakshmana is gone,
Ravana disguises himself as a Brahmin and approaches Sita. Eventually, Ravana is unable to maintain his disguise, and he
assumes his demonic form. Sita cries for help, but Ravana digs into the earth and carries Sita away, along with the
ground she stands on. Jatayu attempts to save Sita, but Ravana chops off his wing. Rama and Lakshmana find Jatayu and
he relates to them what happened, but dies before he can tell them where Ravana was going with Sita.

In their search for Sita, Rama and Lakshmana enter the land of Kiskinda, which is populated by monkeys. There they
meet Hanuman and Sugreeva. Hanuman is Sugreeva's helper and recognizes that Rama is an incarnation of Vishnu.
Sugreeva is the king of Kiskinda, but his brother, Vali, banished him after a misunderstanding. Rama is moved by
Sugreeva's story and offers to help kill Vali. Sugreeva calls for Vali to come fight, and the brothers clash violently. As
Lakshmana and Rama watch the fight, they debate if it's right to get involved. Rama then shoots Vali from a hidden spot.
Vali is surprised that someone can kill him, and asks Rama to explain his actions. Rama explains that he killed Vali to right
past wrongs, and Vali accepts this and names Sugreeva his successor. After Sugreeva's coronation, Rama instructs him to
gather an army and report back to him after the rainy season ends.

The rain lasts for months and Rama spends the entire time depressed. When the rains end, Sugreeva doesn't arrive.
Rama sends Lakshmana to find out why, and it comes to light that Sugreeva has spent the rainy season drinking and
enjoying women. Sugreeva vows to give up alcohol, however, and promptly summons his armies for Rama. Vali's son
Angada and Hanuman are sent south to look for Sita. Rama gives Hanuman his ring and tells him how he can recognize
Sita.

When Angada and Hanuman reach the seashore, they nearly lose hope. An advisor, however, explains to Hanuman that
Hanuman has the power to grow very large. Hanuman makes himself huge and steps over the sea to Lanka, where
Ravana lives. In Lanka, he makes himself small again and begins to search for Sita. He finds her in a garden where
rakshasa women are tormenting her. Ravana torments her too, and when they finally leave her alone, Sita prepares to
commit suicide. Hanuman shows himself to Sita and tells her that Rama is coming. As he leaves Lanka, Hanuman allows
Ravana's army to capture him. He then escapes and lights the city on fire before returning to Rama.

Ravana has his city rebuilt and calls a council of his brothers and commanders. They all tell Ravana that taking Sita in the
manner he did was wrong, but at this point they must fight and either win or die. Ravana's youngest brother, Vibishana,
insists that Ravana give Sita back to Rama. Ravana banishes him, and Vibishana goes to Rama's camp. Hanuman declares
that Vibishana has a good heart and Rama accepts him as the king of Lanka. Vibishana helps Rama form a plan of attack.
When they're ready, Rama stands on the seashore and asks the sea god to help him cross the sea. The sea god finally
agrees to help make a bridge with whatever Rama's army can bring. The animals help build the bridge, and Rama's army
crosses into Lanka.

Ravana sends his soldiers out to fight Rama, but nobody returns. Ravana tries to convince Sita that Rama is dead, but she
remains resolute and faithful to Rama. Rama sends Angada to ask Ravana to concede, but Ravana refuses and Rama
officially declares war. The battle rages for days. Ravana finally decides to join the battle himself. Hanuman lifts Rama
onto his shoulders and they fight Ravana. They break his crown and send him back to his palace. Ravana then wakes his
brother, Kumbakarna, and sends him to the battle. When Kumbakarna dies, Ravana cries, and Lakshmana kills Ravana's
son, Indrajit, not long after.

Ravana decides that he has to finish the battle himself. He dresses for battle and climbs into his chariot. The gods send
Rama Indra's chariot, which is driven by Matali. Rama gets into the chariot and the battle begins. Ravana ignores the
ominous signs and chases Rama. He shoots arrows with his many arms, but none of them reach Rama. The battle moves
to the sky and Rama and Ravana circle the world several times before Ravana begins using supernatural weapons. Rama
destroys every attempt with either meditations or his own weapons. Finally, Rama sends a weapon at Ravana's heart
and kills him. When they land, Rama notices a scar on Ravana's back and fears that he killed him dishonorably. Vibishana
explains that the scar is old.

Rama sends for Sita. She dresses beautifully and presents herself in front of Rama, but he tells her that it's improper to
accept her back. Distraught, Sita asks Lakshmana to build a fire, and she steps into it. The god of fire carries her back out
and presents her to Rama, insisting that she's pure. Rama accepts her, but his test worries the gods. They address him
and remind him that he's divine. They then send Dasaratha to earth to meet Rama, which makes Rama very happy.
Finally, the gods tell Rama to return to Ayodhya, as Bharatha will kill himself if Rama doesn't return on time. Vibishana
summons a magical vehicle that carries Rama and all his army to Ayodhya. They arrive just in time, and Rama and Sita
are crowned king and queen and rule for many years in peace. The narrator then explains some storytelling customs,
and admits that he's not telling the story of the sequel, in which Rama and Sita part again for morally questionable
reasons.
NARRATOR: Here is the Holy legend Ramayana, brought to you by Rishi Valmiki.

The curtain opens as the narrator speaks.

Scene 1: The Grandeur of Kosalas and Videhas

NARRATOR: Many long years ago, there lived two mighty races, the Kosalas and the Videhas. The Kosalas was ruled by
the just king named Dasa-ratha. He had four sons, Rama being the eldest, Bharat, the second, Lakshman, the third, and
Satrughna, the youngest. Meanwhile, the Videhas was ruled by the great Janak.

Scene 2: So Many Suitors... Who to Choose?

Narrator: Now, the princess of the Videhas, Sita, had beauty that reached the ears of other kingdoms' royal families.
Intrigued, they would go to Mithila to see whether the rumors they hear are true. When they see that it is indeed true,
they would bring gifts and ask for her hand. This earned her many suitors. Too many in fact, that she was not able to
choose at all!

JANAK: The time is ripe for you to marry a husband. You have grown to be a fine young woman. You must pay more
attention to your suitors in order for you to be able to choose.

SITA: But, Father, there are far too many of them! How would I ever be able to choose?

JANAK: We must find a solution to make it easier, then.

SITA: How?

JANAK: Let us see...

Beat.

JANAK: AHA! I know! We will organize an archery competition! Whoever wins shall have your hand in marriage.

SITA: An excellent idea, my liege.

The curtain closes.

Scene 3: Archery Competition and Wedding

[JANAK], [SITA], and the other royal people are sitting somewhere on the stage.

[JANAK] stands.

JANAK: Now, let us begin the competition. Whoever shoots the nearest to the center of the target shall win the
competition and the hand of my daughter.
The audience claps.

ANNOUNCER: Prince Hatem of Kamapura!

The audience claps.

[HATEM] walks in, shoots, but misses entirely.

The audience groans.

[HATEM] walks away sadly.

ANNOUNCER: Prince Dhouib of Dakshina!

The audience claps.

[DHOUIB] walks in, shoots, and hits outer circle.

The audience politely claps.

[DHOUIB] walks away disappointed.

ANNOUNCER: Prince Satrughna of Ayodia!

The audience claps.

[SATRUGHNA] walks in, shoots, and hits near the center.

The audience claps and cheers enthusiastically.

[SATRUGHNA] walks away with a grin.

ANNOUNCER: Prince Lakshman of Ayodia!

The audience claps.

[LAKSHMAN] walks in and mutters:

LAKSMHAN: Beginner’s luck...

[LAKSHMAN] shoots but misses.

Some of the audience groan, some laugh.

[SATRUGHNA] laughs at the edge of the stage.

[LAKSHMAN] leaves in a sour mood.

ANNOUNCER: Prince Bharat of Ayodia!

The audience claps.

[BHARAT] walks in, shoots, and hits near the center.

The audience claps enthusiastically.

ANNOUNCER: Prince Rama of Ayodia!

The audience claps.

[RAMA] walks in, shoots and... hits the center!

The audience claps very enthusiastically, some even whooping.

[RAMA] bows to the audience, to [SITA] and to [JANAK].

JANAK: We have a champion! Rama of Ayodia shall be wedded to my daughter Sita.

The audience claps even more enthusiastically.

[SITA] stands, approaches [RAMA], and puts a garland on him.

[RAMA] also puts a garland on [SITA].

[RAMA] and [SITA] hold hands, smiling whilse facing the audience.

The audience claps while the curtain closes.

Scene 4: Rama is to be Made King

[DASA-RATHA] sits on a throne with [RAMA], [BHARAT], [LAKSHMAN], and [SATRUGHNA] standing before him.

DASA-RATHA: I have called the four of you because we need to discuss a very important matter. I am now old, and my
days are almost done. When I am dead and gone, one of you must take my place as king. And for this I have chosen...
Rama. For he is the oldest. He has the most knowledge and experience that will surely be helpful when he becomes king.

[SATRUGHNA] takes Rama’s arm and raises it.

SATRUGHNA: Well done brother!

RAMA: I thank you, dear father, for this great honor. I swear to you that I shall be a good and just king, like you.

[BHARAT], [LAKSHMAN], and [SATRUGHNA] bow to [RAMA].

The curtain closes.

Scene 5: Kaikeyi’s Scheme

A [SERVANT] enters and bows before [DASA-RATHA], who sits on his throne.

SERVANT: Queen Kaikeyi requests for an audience with you, my lord.

DASA-RATHA: Send her in.

The [SERVANT] bows again.

SERVANT: Yes, sire.

The [SERVANT] leaves.

[KAIKEYI] enters and bows.

KAIKEYI: My king.

[DASA-RATHA] motions for [KAIKEYI] to rise.

[KAIKEYI] rises.

KAIKEYI: There is something that I would like to tell you.

DASA-RATHA: What is it, Kaikeyi, my dear?

KAIKEYI: I implore you to make Bharat regent king, and that Rama be banished to the Dandak forest.

Beat. The stage is filled with shocked silence.

DASA-RATHA: ... I-I beg your pardon?!

KAIKEYI: Do you not remember your promise to me? When you were ill and there was no one to care for you, only I was
there. You promised that you would give me any boon that I wanted.

DASA-RATHA: Bu-but---!

[KAIKEYI] walks around [DASA-RATHA], like a snake encircling its prey.

KAIKEYI: You could refuse. You are the king, after all. But what would that do to your honor, I wonder?

[KAIKEYI] leaves without another word.

[DASA-RATHA] collapses on his throne, dazed.

NARRATOR: Dasa-ratha was torn. How could he choose between Kaikeyi and Rama?

The curtain closes.

Scene 6: Rama’s Exile

NARRATOR: Dasa-ratha decided to give Kaikeyi what she wanted as he, after all did promise her. The faithful wife, Sita,
and the loving brother, Lakshman came with him.
[DASA-RATHA], [KAIKEYI], [KAUSALYA], [BHARAT], [SATRUGHNA], and [JANAK] exchange farewells with [RAMA], [SITA],
and [LAKSHMAN].

BHARAT: Take care, my brothers, Sita.

RAMA: And you, Bharat.

[SATRUGHNA] is silent. He suddenly grabs [RAMA’s] arm.

SATRUGHNA: Take me with you!

[RAMA] shakes his head.

RAMA: You must stay here and help Father and Bharat in ruling Ayodia.

SATRUGHNA: But--.

RAMA: No, Satrughna.

[SATRUGHNA] falls silent.

[KAUSALYA] is in tears.

KAUSALYA: Take care of yourselves now.

RAMA: We shall, dear mother.

JANAK: Oh, Sita. I will miss you, my daughter.

SITA: And I, you, Father.

RAMA: We must go now.

A crowd has gathered to witness the sad occasion. One of them steps up.

FOLLOWER: Let us come with you, Prince Rama. We shall be of help to you during your exile.

[RAMA] sighs before yielding.

RAMA: Very well...

[RAMA], [SITA], [LAKSHMAN], and the rest of the followers walk around the stage as the narrator talks.

NARRATOR: The loyal people of Ayodia followed their exiled prince as far as the banks of the Tamasa River where they
halted on the first night.

While the [FOLLOWERS] are sleeping, [RAMA], who is lying down, suddenly sits up and wakes up [LAKSHMAN] and
[SITA]. His whispers are sharp and strained.
RAMA: Lakshman! Sita! Wake up!

[SITA] and [LAKSHMAN] wake up.

RAMA: We must go now.

LAKSHMAN: What?!

SITA: Why?!

RAMA: There are far too many of them to feed and care for. Let us go and leave them now while they are still asleep.

NARRATOR: Rama, his wife, and his brother, Lakshman stole away at night to escape the citizens who wanted to follow
them. They crossed the Ganges River penetrating deeper into the wilderness of the forest until they came to the
hermitage of Valmiki.

The curtain closes.

Scene 7: Dasaratha’s Death

MUSIC: Vale - Murray Gold

NARRATOR: Dasa-ratha was so stricken with grief at the loss of his son. He suffered from a terrible illness that none of
the kingdom's doctors could heal.

[DASA-RATHA] is lying down on a bed, very weak and dying.

A [DOCTOR] goes out of tent and approaches the royal family.

[KAUSALYA], [KAIKEYI], [BHARAT], and [LAKSHMAN] look up expectantly.

The [DOCTOR] shakes their head.

[KAUSALYA] and [KAIKEYI] cry on each other.

[BHARAT] gets up and goes inside the tent.

[DASA-RATHA] whimpers with a weak, raspy voice.

DASA-RATHA: Rama... Rama...

[BHARAT’s] voice is urgent.

BHARAT: Father,

[BHARAT] quickly comes closer and grabs [DASA-RATHA's] hand.

BHARAT: It is I, Bharat, your son.

DASA-RATHA: Bharat... Oh, Bharat... I am dying, my dear son.

[BHARAT’s] voice cracks and tears start to appear in the corners of his eyes.
BHARAT: Father, please do not say that.

DASA-RATHA: It pains me to know that I will be leaving you without being able to see Rama. But know that I love all of
my sons equally. And I am sure that you will become a magnificent king when I am dead and gone.

BHARAT: But I do not know if I am ready to be king. I do not know if I have enough experience and knowledge.

DASA-RATHA: True. You may not have as much knowledge and experience as Rama, but do not worry, for I shall be
watching over you from the heavens, where I shall be reunited with our ancestors. Whenever you are having doubts,
just look to the skies, and remember that I will always be there, guiding you.

[BHARAT] nods solemnly.

DASA-RATHS: Good bye now, my son... Let me be at peace...

[BHARAT’s] tears are falling freely now.

BHARAT: Good bye... Father...

[BHARAT] kisses DASA-RATHA’s forehead and leaves as soon as his last breath is drawn.

The curtain closes and the music fades.

Scene 8: Come Home!

NARRATOR: Bharat had made up his mind. Even his father's comforting words were not able to convince him otherwise.
He would go to the forest of Dandak to seek his elder brother and convince him to claim the throne.

BHARAT: Rama! Rama! Rama!

[RAMA], who is sitting, looks up.

RAMA: Is that my name I hear?

BHARAT: RAMA!

[RAMA] gets up.

RAMA: I must see who it is.

[BHARAT] and [RAMA] go round and round the stage, looking for each other, then get surprised when they do find each
other.

BHARAT: Rama!

RAMA: Bharat!

[BHARAT] hugs [RAMA].

BHARAT: Oh, how good it is to see you again...

RAMA: And you, my dear brother. But, might I inquire as to why you are here?

[BHARAT’s] smile slides off his face and gets replaced with a sad expression.

BHARAT: I bring grave news.

[RAMA] frowns.

RAMA: What news?

BHARAT: Father is...

[BHARAT] pauses, finding it hard to finish his sentence.

BHARAT: Father is dead.

Beat.

RAMA: ...What?! How can this be?

BHARAT: When you left, he became miserable and an illness that none of our doctors could heal took him. Before he
passed, father mentioned you a lot of times.

RAMA: I am very sorry. I was not there at the time of his passing. But, there is one ray of sunshine that may be seen
here. You are about to be king! For that, I must congratulate you.

BHARAT: Do not. For I have no desire to be king. This is also why I have come to you, brother. I implore you to come
back to Ayodia and claim the throne that is rightfully yours. Come home. Surely, Father’s death would release you from
your oath?

RAMA: But I may not seek Ayodia’s ancient throne, for righteous father’s mandate dutiful son may not disown. And I
may not, gentle brother, break the word of promise given, to a king and to a father who is now a saint in heaven.

BHARAT: Very well. Then I would like to ask for one last request.

RAMA: Anything, my dear brother. Anything! Of course, with the exception of returning to Ayodia.

BHARAT: My request is for you to give me your sandals. I would like to place them on the throne as testimony to the
people that I am ruling in your name.

[RAMA] smiles and takes off his sandals.

RAMA: That, I can give you.

[BHARAT] also smiles and takes the sandals.

BHARAT: Thank you, Rama.

[BHARAT] turns to leave.

BHARAT: Give my best to the others, will you?

RAMA: I shall. Farewell!

BHARAT: Farewell!

[BHARAT] finally leaves.

The curtain closes.

Scene 9: From North to South (FINISHED)

NARRATOR: Rama wandered from Northern India and reached Southern India. He built his forest hermitage in the
wilderness, there he live with Sita and Lakshman, in peace and serenity... until…

The curtain opens.

Scene 10: Enter Raksha and Ravan

NARRATOR: In the country of Ceylon, there lived two siblings. One of which was named Raksha, who was a princess and
the other was Ravan, the ruler of all monsters.

[RAKSHA] gazes upon a basin.

[RAVAN] appears with a puff of smoke at the edge of the stage.

RAVAN: Pray tell, what are you doing, Raksha?

RAKSHA: Ah! Brother! Come and see!

[RAKSHA] beckons [RAVAN] with a hand.

[RAVAN] approaches and gazes at basin too.

RAVAN: And who is this man?

[RAKSHA] sighs.

RAKSHA: His name is Rama. He was once a prince of Kosalas but was exiled.

[RAKSHA] strokes edge of basin with longing.

RAKSHA: I want him, Ravan. He has heart, and is very handsome too.

[RAKSHA] scowls. Her next sentence is spat out like poison.

RAKSHA: The only problem would be his wife, Sita.

[RAKSHA’s] expression softens.

RAKSHA: But I would be willing to share his love with another woman.

[RAVAN] smiles and puts his hand on [RAKSHA’s] shoulder.

RAVAN: Then go, my dear sister. Go to him. I do not think that he will be able to resist you with your beauty, even if he
already has a wife.

RAKSHA: Do you think so?

RAVAN: I know so.

[RAKSHA] grins, goes to edge of stage and disappears in another puff of smoke.

The curtain closes.

Scene 11: Surpanakha Incident

MUSIC: Habanera - originally by Georges Bizet (traditional part only)

[RAMA] and [SITA] sit in a corner while [LAKSHMAN] stands elsewhere with a bow in hand.

[RAKSHA] appears at the edge of the stage with a puff of smoke, face hidden, and starts to dance sexually in front of
[RAMA] when music starts.

[RAMA] is mildly amused but he shakes his head and points to his brother [LAKSHMAN].

[RAKSHA], eyes [LAKSHMAN], inspecting him from afar. She looks pleased, so she dances her way to him.

[LAKSHMAN] is a little more timid. But he also shakes his head and points back to [RAMA].

[RAKSHA] tries to dance back to [RAMA], but [RAMA] is still pointing to [LAKSHMAN]. She stops, in the middle of the two
now. She looks back to [LAKSHMAN], also pointing back to [RAMA].

[RAKSHA] looks back and forth multiple times, until…

The music suddenly stops. And so does [RAKSHA’s] dancing. She is frustrated and angry. This is visible as she disappears
in a puff of smoke.

The curtain closes.

Scene 12: The Siblings’ Plot

[RAVAN] gazes at the same basin as before.

[RAVAN] is startled as [RAKSHA] appears in a puff of smoke, very visibly angry.

RAKSHA: Those reprobates! Those filthy, filthy... DOGS! I gave them my love, but they refused it!

[RAVAN] gingerly approaches and hugs [RAKSHA].

RAVAN: There, there, my love. Those miscreants did not deserve you anyway. Do not worry. We will take your revenge
and I assure you, it will be oh... so... sweet...

[RAVAN’s] eyes are filled with lust and malice.

The curtain closes.

Scene 13: The Golden Deer

NARRATOR: Ravan sent a beautiful golden deer to tempt Rama and Lakshman away from the hermitage.

[LAKSHMAN] half crouches and points somewhere far.

LAKSHMAN: Do you see that?

[RAMA] looks to [LAKSHMAN’s] finger’s direction.

RAMA: See what?

LAKSHMAN: There! It is a deer! A golden one!

RAMA: Yes! I see it! My word! Isn’t it just magnificent!

LAKSHMAN: Shall we catch it?

RAMA: Let us catch it! Dear Sita will surely be impressed.

[RAMA] and [LAKSHMAN] sneak around until they reach the edge of the stage and are covered by the curtain.

The curtain closes.

Scene 14: Sita is Taken!

[SITA] hums idly as she cooks for the two men.

[RAVAN] and [RAKSHA] suddenly appear in a puff of smoke.

[RAVAN] grabs [SITA].

[SITA] screams and tries to fight him off.

SITA: AAAAAH! RAMA! LAKSHMAN! HELP ME!

[RAKSHA] approaches slowly and cackles menacingly.

RAKSHA: No matter how loud your screams are, they won't be able to hear you. Now sleeeeep...

[RAKSHA] blows on [SITA's] face with sleeping powder.

[SITA] struggles a little, then goes limp.

[RAVAN] goes to edge of stage with [SITA] and [RAKSHA], then flaps his cloak to hide themselves. They disappear.
[RAKSHA’s] cackling is still heard as the curtains close.

Scene 14: The Rescue

MUSIC: The Master - Murray Gold

NARRATOR: After a year, Rama was finally able to find the siblings’ lair.

The music starts as [RAMA] sneaks into [RAVAN’s] chambers. [RAVAN] is caught off guard but immediately recovers.

[RAVAN] looks to be winning as he has the home advantage.

All seems lost for [RAMA].

But [RAMA] eventually outsmarts [RAVAN] and stabs him in the heart.

[RAVAN’s] death is horrible, filled with screams as he writhes in agony on the floor.

He eventually goes still, dead.

[RAMA] leaves without looking back and the curtain closes.

Scene 15: Rama's Doubts

[SITA] sits in a corner. She gets nervous when she hears footsteps.

[RAMA] enters and [SITA's] fright turns to happiness as she rushes to hug her husband.

SITA: Rama! Oh, Rama... You came for me!

But [RAMA] regards her coldly.

[RAMA] breaks [SITA’s] hug.

RAMA: Now that Ravan is slain, you are now free to choose your path in life. You may stay in Ceylon, or you could
accompany Lakshman. You could also go to Bharat if you so desire.

[SITA] frowns.

SITA: What is wrong, my love?

RAMA: Sita, you were held captive by Ravan for a whole year. How would I be assured that you are still pure?

[SITA] steps back in disdain

SITA: You do not have faith in me.

Beat.
SITA: Very well.

[SITA] turns to [LAKSHMAN].

SITA: I bid you to make an enormous fire. We shall settle this with a trial by fire.

Scene 16: Sita's Trial

SITA: This trial of fire is being performed in order to prove my purity. I am pure. I shall walk on this fire and if ever I am
lying, then may the flames consume me. But if I am not, then I will step out unharmed.

[SITA] steps into the flames and comes out unharmed.

[RAMA] and [SITA] hug.

RAMA: Oh Sita... Forgive me for doubting you.

The curtain closes.

Scene 17: Coming Home

NARRATOR: In finding Sita, the gods had given Rama an aerial car which they, then used to travel back to North India.
This story was passed from Indian fathers to Indian sons, from generation to generation, and now, to you. We hope that
you will always remember this story and its virtues and to use it as a guide in your everyday lives. Thank you for
watching!

[EVERYONE] gathers and bows.

The curtain closes for the final time.