Sita Rebuffs Ravana
(Lights rise revealing SITA sitting stage right with the DEMONESS GUARD at her
side. She is wearing no jewelry. Although her head is held high, her eyes look down to the
ground. The multiple voices of RAVANA speak to her.)
--RAVANA—
You will be Queen of this land. See the women of my harem? See their beautiful jewels and
clothing. Yours will be finer.
--SITA—
Which way do you desire to die, demon?
You must yearn to breathe your last breath
Or you would not touch the faithful wife
Of Rama. Those harem women are widows!
--RAVANA—
This Rama is a nobody. He is an ascetic in the woods with nothing but his brother and some
hermit’s rags for clothes. I just air-lifted you hundreds of miles form him. He has
no way to find you, woman, even if he knew in which direction to look. Forget him!
He’s part of your past. You are here now. I am the King of this place and I desire to
make you my Queen.
--SITA—
May mourning clothes be spun for your women. They are widows!
--RAVANA—
My spies bring me news of your Rama. He has collapsed with sorrow at your loss. You are
Rama’s strength and I have you here. Already I am the victor. I am already your Lord.
Give up this ranting and accept me.
--SITA—
I would not wish to be a widow. You
Who hunger and thirst for your own death repel
Me for I desire a hundred years
Life as a wife and not a day as a widow.
--RAVANA—
(Single voice)
You need time. You will see. Rama will not come.
(Multiple voices)
Guard, keep her here. Show her what refusing me means. She cannot last. She must choose me
herself. I will not force her. She will be the jewel of my harem. This I will revenge my
sister who has been disfigured by her impudent brother-in-law.
--Scene in which RAMA and LAKSHMAN
search for SITA, and then--
(Lights dim on RAMA and LAKSHMAN. A spotlight reveals SITA, stage right,
looking more disheveled. The DEMONESS GUARD dances around her, taunting.)
--DEMONESS GUARD—
So many women love Ravana willingly. All creatures know his strength and bravery. Even
spirits do his bidding. If you accept him, you will be safe. He’ll give you anything
you want, even provide for your family in grand style.
--SITA—
Once, given, love, like a river does not change
It’s course. Everything reminds my heart
Of Rama. Speak of strength? Rama’s is strength.
Speak of generosity? He gave
Gems and silks, or nuts and fruits to me,
Whatever the wealth of the place we were, he gave.
And how can love be counted? By looks and touches?
Can I quantify the love of Rama?
To have and know that love is having, knowing
The Infinite. And you would have me turn away?
---DEMONESS GUARD—
What does he give you now, this Rama? Why doesn’t he rescue you? Rama is an
inflexible perfectionist. That’s what I have heard. Any woman would give in to her
kidnapper to save her life. Rama thinks you already gave in to Ravana. That’s why he
doesn’t come. You are suspected of it anyway. Why not accept Ravana and enjoy life?
Why suffer? What is your big problem?
--SITA—
Rama knows my lineage and my character.
Faithfulness must be new to you or
You could never speak to me of Ravana
As though I might go to him as wife.
--DEMONESS GUARD—
Why do I waste time? All I do is talk and talk and talk to you, you stubborn female and,
as I talk, desire rises in me to rip you open, to eat your liver, your heart and brain.
Why waste time?
--SITA—
Kill me. Kill me if you wish, and quickly!
Oh Rama, why do I continue to live?
--DEMONESS GUARD—
Let me get liquor and sweets. Let me build a fire and make a feast of you.
(DEMONESS GUARD exits, dancing stage left.)
--SITA—
Oh Rama, why do I continue to live?
--RAVANA—
Sita, lovely Sita, you are the most beautiful, even in your soiled garment.
--SITA—
You bring unspeakable suffering upon your people.
--RAVANA—
I have brought perfumed, warm water for your bath and jewels to decorate you beautiful
body. Why do you cover yourself. I brought you silk clothing to wear.
--SITA—
Dirt and tears, my current decorations,
Have I in abundance and I would rather roll
In poisonous plants and suffer blisters as well
As filth than take a single gift from you.
I am not your property to mold as you will.
--RAVANA –
Look at me, Sita. Ah, you can’t even look at me. Do your know what it is like to have
a body like this? A body with ten heads? It is so hideous. Everybody runs away. Have you
no tender, motherly feelings? Is your beauty only on the surface?
--SITA—
And fatherly feeling? Where are your fatherly feelings?
Rama’s sure to wage a fierce fight.
Your people, innocent of kidnapping me, will suffer,
Die and lose their sons and brothers, husbands…
Where are your fatherly, protective feeling for them?
--RAVANA—
So long I have prayed to God to help me, to give me power to compensate for this cursed
body, and he has blessed me. I can’t be defeated, even by gods. I take what I want.
But one thing, oh one thing, I can never take. I can capture the most beautiful women in
the world, but I cannot make them love me. Although I have a harem and give my women
everything, I am alone in this horrible body. Oh, Sita! I do not even touch you with a
finger. Can’t my plight touch your heart?
--SITA—
From where this sudden reserve? Where was this restraint
When you mimicked the monk and wrenched me
Away from Rama’s side? Return me to Rama
If you value your life. I will die
But never accept you. I am wed to Rama.
--RAVANA—
(Single voice)
Arrogant female! I have been patient enough!
(Multiple voices)
Accept me or your guards may cut you us, may feast upon your innards and limbs. Foolish
female! Ninety days. Ninety days to save your life!
Copyright 2000, Aikya Param
