Routledge International Handbook of Dramatherapy

Edited by Sue Jennings, Clive Holmwood

Chapter 4 - Embodying Ramayana: The Drama Within

Abstract

This essay looks at the potential for Dramatherapy practice within the epic of the “Ramayana” as classical mythology from India but one which has universal human applications. It seeks to be a resource in both the developing field of Dramatherapy practice in a multi-cultural agenda and with Spirituality and notions of The Divine. Drawing on Giduturi Lakshmi Narayan’s work “Understanding Ramayana as Rama Within”, the essay explores the image of the divided City of Ayodhya as a metaphor of the conflicted Self. The epic characters of Rama (the Soul), Sita (the Mind), Laxman (the Body), Hanuman, the Monkey-God (the Breath) and Ravanna (the multiple Desires and Appetites) are presented as archetypes within the Divided Self. The essay presents “Ramayana” as “enacted” within the Human Body and the practical, healing use of these metaphors and symbols within Dramatherapy enactments.

Paintings referred to in the chapter by Giduturi Lakshmi Narayan

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