Not just renowned for its captivating ancient architecture, but also for its famed performance of the Ramayana ballet, capable of stirring deep emotions in its audience.

The Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan is a spectacle that seamlessly blends dance and drama without dialogue, depicting the epic tale of Ramayana where Rama valiantly battles to rescue his beloved Sita from the clutches of the demon king, Ravana.

The tale of Rama and Sita never fails to captivate its audience, evoking profound emotions with every performance. It’s no wonder that it remains legendary, transcending the boundaries of time.

Part 1 : The Opening

In the realm of Mantili, King Prabu Janaka presided, blessed with a daughter named Princess Dewi Shinta. A grand contest was convened by the king to seek a worthy husband for Princess Dewi Shinta. Prince Rama Wijaya of Ayodya emerged victorious in this contest.

Meanwhile, in the kingdom of Alengka, King Rahwana harbored desires to wed Princess Dewi Shinta. Rahwana firmly believed that Shinta was the reincarnation of Widowati, someone he had long yearned for.

Part 2 : The Deception in Dandaka

Amidst the ancient trees of the Dandaka forest, Rama and Shinta, accompanied by Lakshmana, wandered unaware of the lurking danger. Unseen, Rahwana observed Shinta from the shadows, consumed by his desire to possess her. Commanding one of his followers to transform into the Golden Deer, Rahwana orchestrated a cunning plan to ensnare Shinta’s attention.

Drawn by the allure of the enchanted deer, Shinta beseeched Rama to capture the elusive creature, prompting him to leave her under Lakshmana’s watchful eye. As time stretched on without Rama’s return, Shinta’s anxiety grew, leading her to dispatch Lakshmana in search of her beloved.

In a desperate attempt to seize his prize, Rahwana disguised himself as an old beggar, exploiting Shinta’s compassion to lure her beyond the protective circle drawn by Lakshmana. Once outside its bounds, Rahwana seized Shinta and spirited her away to the kingdom of Alengka, plunging Rama and Lakshmana into a harrowing quest to rescue her from the clutches of darkness.

Part 3 : Capturing the Golden Deer

With his divine arrow in hand, Rama took aim at the enchanted deer, only to witness its transformation into the malevolent Marica, a demon in disguise. A fierce battle ensued between Rama and Marica, culminating in Rama’s victory as his arrow struck true.

As Marica lay defeated, Lakshmana implored Rama to return to Shinta’s side, sensing the urgency of her safety. With the threat vanquished but the danger looming ever closer, Rama heeded Lakshmana’s call, hastening back to confront the shadows that threatened to engulf his beloved.

Part 4 : The Avian Guardian

In their journey towards Alengka, Rahwana crossed paths with a bird named Jatayu. Jatayu recognized Shinta as the daughter of Prabu Janaka and attempted to free her, only to be defeated by Rahwana.

Meanwhile, Rama, upon realizing Shinta’s disappearance, encountered the wounded Jatayu. Fueled by anger, Rama mistakenly accused Jatayu of the abduction and attempted to strike him down, halted only by Lakshmana’s intervention. Eventually, Jatayu elucidated the truth before meeting his demise.

Moments later, a white monkey named Hanuman arrived. Hanuman, sent by his uncle Sugriwa, sought aid in defeating Subali, who had abducted Dewi Tara, Sugriwa’s beloved. Rama, then, resolved to assist Hanuman in confronting Subali.

Part 5 : Sugriwa’s Triumph

In the heart of a dense jungle, where the sunlight filtered through the thick canopy, Sugriwa and Rama ventured towards the fabled Gua Kiskendo. With each step, their resolve strengthened, guided by the shared purpose of overcoming adversity.

Within the cavern’s ancient embrace, Sugriwa confronted Subali, the embodiment of darkness, in a battle that echoed with the clash of swords and the thunder of hearts determined to prevail. With Rama’s steadfast support, Sugriwa emerged victorious, freeing Dewi Tara from the chains of captivity.

Grateful for Rama’s aid and inspired by his noble quest, Sugriwa pledged allegiance, sealing their bond with the promise of support and friendship. And so, with Hanuman entrusted as the emissary of their alliance, they set forth towards Alengka, united in their pursuit of justice and the rescue of Princess Sinta.

Part 6 : Trijata’s Vigil and Hanuman’s Revelation

Amidst the tranquil confines of the palace garden, Trijata, Rahwana’s niece, stood as a guardian to Princess Shinta, her soothing presence a balm to the princess’s troubled soul. Despite Rahwana’s persistent pleas for her hand in marriage, Shinta steadfastly refused, inciting Rahwana’s wrath to the point of contemplating her demise, only to be restrained by Trijata’s unwavering loyalty.

In the midst of this turmoil, Shinta’s ears caught the faint strains of a melodious song, a tune that carried the promise of salvation. It was Hanuman, the emissary of Rama, who revealed himself to Shinta, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of captivity. Hanuman’s audacious act of defiance against the confines of Alengka’s garden led to his capture by Indrajid, Rahwana’s son, and subsequent expulsion of Kumbakarna, who dared to aid him.

Undeterred by the impending threat of immolation, Hanuman ignited the flames of rebellion, setting ablaze the grandeur of Alengka’s palace with his own body, a sacrifice that echoed through the annals of history as a testament to unwavering devotion and indomitable spirit.

Part 7 : A Path to Conquest

With the mission entrusted to Hanuman, Rama, accompanied by his mighty army of monkeys, undertook the monumental task of constructing a bridge spanning the vast expanse to Alengka. As the bridge neared completion, Hanuman returned bearing news of the formidable strength amassed by the forces of Alengka.

In response, Rama issued orders to Hanuman, Hanggada, Hanila, and Jambawan, commanding them to launch a decisive assault upon Alengka’s shores. United in their determination and fueled by the fervor of righteousness, they set forth, the Bridge of Rama serving as a tangible symbol of their unwavering resolve and their inexorable march towards victory.

Part 8 : The Epic Clash

In the heat of battle, the forces of Alengka clashed ferociously against Rama’s army of monkeys in an epic showdown of titanic proportions. Amidst the chaos, Indrajid met his demise at the hands of Lakshmana, while Kumbakarna, Rahwana’s formidable brother, also fell in the fray.

As the battlefield trembled beneath the weight of their conflict, Rahwana himself faced the wrath of Rama’s arrow and the mighty Mount Sumawana hurled by the relentless Hanuman. In a cataclysmic finale, Rahwana’s reign of darkness was brought to an end, marking the culmination of an era and the triumph of light over darkness in the annals of history.

Part 9 : Reunion and Redemption

Following Rahwana’s defeat, Shinta was at last reunited with Rama, yet her joy was marred by Rama’s hesitance to accept her back, fearing her purity might have been compromised. In a desperate bid to prove her innocence, Shinta subjected herself to the searing flames, invoking the aid of the god of fire.

Miraculously spared from the ravages of the inferno, Shinta emerged unscathed, her purity reaffirmed in the eyes of all who witnessed the divine intervention. Overwhelmed with relief and joy, Rama welcomed Shinta back into his arms, their reunion a testament to the power of love, faith, and unwavering devotion.

Overall Show Summary

As the curtains draw to a close on the epic saga of Ramayana Ballet, audiences are left spellbound by its mesmerizing portrayal of love, sacrifice, and triumph. Each intricate movement, each emotive expression, serves as a testament to the timeless allure of this ancient tale. With awe-inspiring performances and breathtaking choreography, the Ramayana Ballet transcends mere entertainment, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who experience its splendor. Truly, it is a spectacle not to be missed, a journey into the depths of mythology and the heights of human emotion. In the reverent silence that follows the final bow, one cannot help but marvel at the enduring power of this age-old story, and the profound impact it continues to wield across generations.