Dancers in “Panchatantra Tales” at a rehearsal
Rachita Menon remembers reading the Panchatantra, a series of Indian fables, as a young girl.
Now, those childhood stories, that many Indian children like Menon grew up with, will become a stage production for the first time.
“Those stories always stuck with me,” she said. “I wanted to bring them to life.”
Menon’s Rasika School of Dance has collaborated with Gamut Theatre to create “Panchatantra Tales,” bringing Indian classical and folk dance to the stage in central PA. The show will run at Gamut Theatre for one weekend only, from April 8 to 10.
At her dance studio in Enola, Menon teaches the traditional south Indian dance style “Bharatanatyam.” She has always felt that this style of dance would be perfect for the stage, with its expressive hand gestures and beautiful dress, she said.
“We’ve seen this in bigger cities, but we haven’t seen something like this in central PA,” Menon explained.
The “Panchatantra Tales” was written by Sean Adams and is co-directed by Menon and Gamut’s Executive Director Melissa Nicholson. It is based on Indian stories that are comparable to “Aesop’s Fables.” The show is both comical and packed with meaning, touching on themes of kindness and respect, much like the original stories.
The show follows a noble king in ancient India who has three big problems: his children, the reckless and lazy royal princes. He fears for the future of his people, and thus consults with a wise guru, who teaches the young princes through animal stories and folk tales. These lessons are woven together to form the Panchatantra (“Five Treatises”). In the end, the princes will learn about dharma–the duties and virtues expected of us–and the importance of being part of a bigger picture.
Both students from Rasika School of Dance and actors from Gamut’s Young Acting Company will perform together in the show. Performers range in age from 6 to 18 years old.
“This is a big dream come true to me,” Menon said. “To promote this style of dance in a way that the global masses can relate to. It’s crossing boundaries.”
Audience members can expect to see lots of dancing, of course, but also singing, beautifully designed costumes, exciting fight choreography and classical Indian hand gestures. It’s a play that anyone of any age will enjoy, Menon said.
“It’s an experience that everyone should come watch,” Menon said. “It’s not something you’ve seen before.”
Gamut Theatre is located at 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. For more information about “Panchatantra Tales,” visit their website. Tickets for the show are still available, but selling fast, according to Menon. They can be purchased on Gamut’s website.
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