Join the Committee for the Arts of the Indian Subcontinent for the San Diego premiere of “Ramayana: The Greatest Epic,” written and directed by world renowned and past speaker here in San Diego, Benoy K. Behl. This documentary travels to India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Indonesia to document and tell the story of this great epic through multi-religious, international cultural performances. Generations of children have learned the vast story of the “Ramayana” through the incredibly diverse methods of performance and storytelling.

One of the world’ greatest works of literature, the Rama epic – the 2,500-year-old classic and it’s many versions – teems with excitement. The story of Prince Rama’s quest to defeat a powerful demonic king, rescue his abducted wife and re-establish order in the world is also, for many, a sacred tradition. For centuries this beloved tale has been told again and again through visual and performing arts, literature, and religious teachings in the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

After the screening of the film, stay to hear from Director Benoy Bhel who is interviewed by Forest McGill, Curator at the San Francisco Asian Art Museum.

Featured (left): Rama and Sita enthroned, ca 1800. Opaque watercolor and gold on paper. Edwin Binney 3rd Collection. 1990.1283.

Registration

RSVP to jas@dutia.net or call 858.353.0303 no later than Thursday, May 18, 2017.

Free for CAIS members / $10 Museum members / $8 students / $12 nonmembers

$9 per ticket if 4 (minimum) or more purchased at one time.

Please plan to arrive at Balboa Park half hour early to ensure you are able to park and walk to the auditorium at the Museum of Photographic Arts for the start of the film.