LANKA - An Epic on Stage

Get ready for an audio-visual feast in the month of March and April! Agni Productions is gearing up to present a one of a kind stage production called Lanka - An Epic on Stage. Lanka is a unique stage production that combines story-telling, dance and martial arts to narrate an epic tale. The presentation will be entirely in English interlaced with contemporary dance and martial arts and draws inspiration from varied influences.

Lanka tells the fictional story about what transpires in Lanka after the Ramayana, the great Indian epic. The production is the brainchild of writer and director Prakash Mohandas – the founder of Agni Productions, a sister concern of Agni - The Dance Company. Prakash has been an active member of the South Asian community in the spheres of dance, theatre and music for several years. Lanka is the confluence of his vision to bring together aspects of various dance styles, martial arts and theatre along with a cinematic feel to the stage.

The production will be supplemented by breathtaking stage setting, costumes and theatrical make-up. The visual element will be enhanced by professionally managed lighting and sound to present an unparalleled experience on stage. The team recently conducted a trailer shoot for Lanka in Austin, consisting of 40+ cast and crew members and directed by Sushma Khadepaun-Parmar from Cutting Chai Productions. The trailer is expected to be released in mid-February.

The scale of the production is unprecedented in comparison to any project by the South Asian community in Austin. Lanka brings together a cast and crew of 60 individuals comprising actors, dancers, choreographers, stunt specialists and voice artists. The production crew also includes set designers, light and sound technicians, make-up artistes and costume and set designers. Additionally, Lanka boasts a completely original and professionally composed musical score, by up and coming music director Rohan Joseph, which is sure to enthrall audiences. Team Lanka spans professionals and amateurs from the Austin area, many of whom started working on the production details almost a year ago.

Lanka plans to tour Texas in March and April 2011 with scheduled performances in Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas. The production is also planning a nationwide tour after that.

Lanka premieres in Austin on March 20th 2011 at the Westlake Performing Arts Center. The other shows are as follows:
March 27th: Houston @ Cullen Theatre (Wortham Center)
April 10th: San Antonio @ Carver Community Cultural Theatre
April 17th: Dallas @ Granville Arts Center

Agni Productions is committed to supporting community and humanitarian causes with its events. Part of the proceeds from Lanka will be donated to Asha for Education, a non-profit, voluntary organization dedicated to bringing socio-economic change in India by using the medium of education. Asha for Education is a federally tax-exempt organization as described in IRS Code Section 501(c) (3).

Lanka aims to redefine the stageplay experience, and is sure to captivate Austin area theatre, music and dance lovers with a never-before seen spectacle. Tickets are on sale and selling fast. For more information regarding tickets, sponsorship or general queries, please visit www.lankaproduction.com, send an email to agniproductions@gmail.com, or call 512.299.7766 or 281-686-6636.