The 43 Season "Dragon Song" presents Rama Hari at CCP Main Theater

In the Kingdom of Mithila, Rama, son of King Dasaratha, and his brother Lakshmana are on their way back from a mission when they hear of the Swayamwara (a means by which a lady would choose a husband for herself) of the beautiful daughter of King Janaka. As soon as Rama lays his eyes on Sita, he is immediately taken by her beauty, while Sita is transfixed on Rama. A test is set by King Janaka for all suitors to prove themselves worthy of his daughter's hand.

Rama bests the other suitors and claims Sita for his bride. The wedding ceremony is filled with pomp and pageantry as befits a royal pair.

The aging King Dasaratha wants to pass his crown to one of his sons and his choice is Rama. But Kaikeyi, the king’s third wife, wants her son Bharatha to inherit the throne and schemes to make her son king. She asks him for the two favors which he has promised to give her for saving his life once on the battlefield. Kaikeyi demands that her son be made king and that Rama be banished from the kingdom for fourteen years. Bharatha, feeling unworthy, affirms his loyalty to his older brother Rama, who instructs him to be a strong and firm king.

Rama is accompanied in exile in the woods of Panchavati by his wife Sita and his brother Lakshmana. They dance in celebration of the life in close communion with Nature. Meanwhile, the demon Ravana, and his sister Soorpanakha enter stealthily disguised as a hermit and a country maiden. Ravana goes to Sita and Soorpanakha to Rama. Soorpanakha seduces Rama, but he gets away from her. Sita is put under the spell of the hermit. Rama wrests Sita from Ravana as Soorpanakha drags Sita away. Lakshmana senses the danger to Sita and draws his sword and cuts off the demoness' nose, ears and breasts.

In Ravana's court, Soorpanakha demands that she be avenged. The best way is to abduct Sita. Ravana transforms the mutilated demon into a golden deer to graze near the woods of Panchavati. Sita is mesmerized by the beautiful animal and asks Rama to get it for her. Not wanting to leave Sita alone, he instructs Lakshmana never to leave Sita. Rama follows the deer through the forest. Suddenly, a scream for help in Rama's voice is heard. Lakshmana, through Sita's urging, goes to help his brother. Ravana, in his hermit disguise, sneaks back and carries Sita away. The two men rush back to find Sita gone.

In the land of the monkey people, Rama pleads with the monkey king, Hanuman, to help him get back Sita. His plea is heeded because he helped him regain his throne before. The monkey people prepare for battle.

Ravana holds Sita captive in the land of Lanka where the battle transpires. The demon forces of Ravana are defeated and Sita is freed.

Rama and Sita with Lakshmana return to their kingdom amidst people rejoicing. Bharatha relinquishes the throne in favor of Rama.