Reading Railroad Theater presents a staged reading of ‘The Ramayana’

An ancient text serves as the basis for Reading Railroad Theater’s next outing. The Ramayana arises from ancient India and tells the story of the romance between two divine avatars. Rama, the Avatar of Vishnu, has discovered the Lakshmi avatar Sita.

The mythic story involves pageantry, banishment, encounters with monsters and demons, and ends with a grand rescue of Sita from the clutches of the demon Ravana. This is the stuff of amazing possibilities.

Back in January, when Richard Morell put out a call for directors who had scripts they wanted to get before audiences, he only had two takers. Last month, Nathaniel Adkins put up R.U.R., and now in October, RRT will perform Douglas Marshall’s own rendition of this ancient Indian text. Marshall has been working on this script since 1974.

“The Ramayana has been part of an oral tradition of storytelling, as that was how most people heard the Vedic scriptures: as foundational narratives teaching morality, duty and spiritual values, offering timeless lessons on Life, society and government that remain relevant today, despite their ancient origins.”

In fact, Marshall relocated to Fairfield in hopes of presenting this script to Fairfield theater audiences. Evolving circumstances delayed a presentation, until Morell offered this opportunity. Marshall adds, “These epic tales provide insights into human nature, ethical decision-making and ancient culture, allowing the common people who aren't scholarly inclined, to learn from past societal structures and moral dilemmas to live more meaningful lives, as set down in Vedic scriptures. As such, it was and still is very popular throughout Asia. As far as Bali, where this is famously performed as a shadow puppet show, where they are considered Living Breath, not static texts. We endeavour to be a part of that tradition with this production.”

Marshall applied a cross-cultural lens, combining the aforementioned elements of Balinese theater with ancient Greek strategies. Members of the cast got together and created some masks for the various characters.

This presentation will also have a musical accompaniment, provided by both Marshall and local violinist Ann Bosold. A member of Fairfield’s musical community, Bosold has long been a part of the Irish music sessions on Sundays at Cafe Paradiso.

The Ramayana is performed throughout the world for intergenerational audiences. It is a story that can appeal as much to children as it does to adults. Marshall’s version includes talking animals, evil creatures, and even Hanuman, a beloved figure from Indian lore who has the head of a monkey and the heart of a warrior.

Marshall’s script includes some humor in the form of the seductive female demon Surpanak and her spoonerism-addled brother, Ravana, whose impulse to kidnap Sita forms the basis of the story. Cast members will be playing multiple roles.

Local actors Tyrel Curtis, Zach Powell, Marianne Paoletti, Eileen Gosvig, and Patrick Bosold will join Marshall and Jesya Mauro as Sita and Richard Morell as Rama to enact the story. Saima Purnima will narrate.

The reading will enjoy two performances, at Morning Star Studio, 51-½ S. Court Street, Saturday, October 26, 2025 at 7:30 PM and the other Sunday, October 27, 2025 at 3 PM.

Tickets are available in advance through Venmo (@richard-morell223) or at the door. It is a Pay-What-You-Can basis, but there is a suggested $12 minimum donation.

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