Epic Indian romance brought to Warwick stage

Members of the Playbox Theatre from across the Midlands, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire are taking part in the company’s new production of the Ramayana at its Dream Factory theatre in Shelley Avenue from Thursday April 11 to Sunday April 14.

Exiled from the serene palaces of their homeland and plunged deep into the forbidden forests of southern India, the passionate love of Rama and Sita is put to the test as demons, goddesses and monkeys do battle for their hearts.

With text by David Farr, the show is directed by Playbox’s artistic director Stewart McGill, with stage design by Commedia, costumes by Mid-Warwickshire College’s fashion department and lighting by Wayne Dowdeswell.

Stewart said: “I wanted Playbox Theatre to respect the origins yet reawaken the story in our own style for young audiences today.

“We hope everyone will discover Ramayana as a story we can all enjoy regardless of our cultural background.”

The play is split into two parts, with part I showing on April 11 at 7.30pm and part II on April 12 at 7.30pm, while both parts will be staged in succession on April 13 at 8pm and April 14 at 4pm. Tickets cost £8 for a single performance and £12 for both parts, with concessions and cheaper tickets available. Call 419555.