Hanuman – by Aditi Brennan Kapil
Synopsis: This Bollywood-style musical for youth is loosely adapted from episodes of the Ramayana. It follows the adventures of Hanuman the monkey, a mischievous young social outcast who discovers his true nature and heroic destiny by helping his friend Rama rescue the Princess Sita from Ravana, a ten-headed demon.
Setting: Northern India, Punjab to be exact
Time Period: Ancient
Cast Size: 10-22
Casting:
Gods & Demons
BRAHMA: Creator of the Universe
INDRA: Lightning
SURYA: The Sun
VARUNA: Water
RAVANA: Ten-headed Demon King of Lanka
RAKSHAS 1,2+: Demons, Ravana’s minions
Animals:
HANUMAN: A young Monkey, kind of a shrimp, has a crooked jaw
JAMBAVAN: Prince of Bears, Hanuman’s best friend
MONKEYS 1,2,3
BULBUL BIRDS 1,2
Various animals may appear in the battle scene
Humans:
RAMA: Crown Prince of Ayodhya
LAKSHMAN: Prince of Ayodhya, Rama’s brother
BHARATA: Prince of Ayodhya, Rama’s brother
SATRUGHAN: Prince of Ayodhya, Rama’s brother
SITA: Princess of Mithila, Rama’s consort
PRINCE SATISH: Sita’s suitor
PRINCE DIPANKAR: Sita’s suitor
PRINCE SAGAR: Sita’s suitor
Various townspeople
This Play Is: unpublished
Production History:
Originally Commissioned and Performed by SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development Minneapolis, MN, Richard Hitchler, Artistic Director
Music by Ochen Kaylan available upon request.