My first play with RASA was Jatayu Moksham. I was pleasantly surprised that Dr. Ambika gave me the Rama role. I had to practice the Rama role many times. Dr. Vaishnavi Poorna coached me and the group on the play.
Since this was the first time I performed in a play, Usha akka (Ms. Usha Sankaran) also coached me on the Rama role. I had been learning from Usha akka for a year. I was very comfortable practicing with her.
My first stage rehearsal and actual show were in different auditoriums. My first rehearsal was in Tattvaloka, but the final rehearsal and actual show were in Narada Gana Sabha. I enjoyed having Bharat and Rashmi at Usha akka’s house and practicing together. I started interacting with them more because of the play.
The video recording of Jatayu Moksham is available here:
Benefits:
- The RASA Day experience helped me because I got to perform on an Indian stage with a group. Before RASA Day 2022, I only did a solo performance.
- I felt that I was a part of a community with many artists who are differently-abled.
- While I have done solo dance, I had to learn how to coordinate the movements with others.
- I gained more confidence by performing.
- When I did the play and learned the story, I got more interested in reading the Ramayana.
- One of the moments in the play that impacted me was when Rama thanked Lakshman for building a home for them in the forest. So, I thought of thanking grandma for the work she did on our home.
- I started learning Bharatanatyam because I was interested in Indian culture. I have been interested in Indian culture for many years, I learn more about Indian culture through plays.
Recently, I heard about the Ram Mandir temple in Ayodhya. Since participating in the play, I have learned more about Rama and I know his birth place was Ayodhya. Hence, I could understand the importance of the Ram Mandir inauguration and the excitement that people felt about this event. In our community, there were celebrations of the Ram Mandir. By participating in RASA activities, I have more knowledge to understand and enjoy such celebrations. I am looking forward to attending RASA Day 2024.
Parent Note:
The performance aspect of TAHD improved Ananth’s interactive social skills and he became comfortable with all his co-actors, especially Bharath who played Lakshmana. This was Ananth’s first experience as a drama artiste and in the lead role too! His expressions improved and so did his confidence. The collaborative nature of theatre performances enhances teamwork and empathy, creating a supportive environment for personal growth.
One Response
So well played Ananth , happy to see you learning growing and sharing your experience with us .God bless you son