Lakhon Khol: Scene from The Reamker: “Offering One’s Form”

Act 1 Scene 1

(Setting: Ayodhya transitions to Lanka as Ravana abducts Sita)

Music: Jeurt (Traditional Khmer tune)

Narrator: When the ten-headed demon, Ravana, saw Sita’s unmatched beauty, he was overwhelmed with desire. He spoke:

Dialogue:

Ravana: Sita, your beauty is extraordinary! Don’t let your heart resist any longer. If you accept me, we will live happily, without suffering or impermanence. Your radiance surpasses all maidens on earth. No one compares to you.

Narrator: Hearing these disgraceful words, Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, was deeply distressed and replied:

Dialogue:

Sita: Oh, wicked demon king, stop uttering these deceitful words! Don’t you know that fate has not destined you for me? Don’t waste your time desiring what you cannot have!

(Ravana, furious, storms away)

Music: Samala Rote (A tune of rage)

Act 1 Scene 2

(Setting: In Ayodhya, the demonesses guard Sita)

Music: Kraunai (A solemn melody)

(Scene: Demonesses perform a dance to Kraunai music)

Music: Takheung (A lively beat)

(Scene: Demonesses serving Sita. Sita, displeased, walks away)

Act 2 Scene 1

(Drumroll: Roht)

(Scene: Demonic guards stationed at the gates of Lanka. Hanuman hides nearby in the forest, observing the scene)

Narrator: Hanuman, disguised as an elderly man, arrived at Lanka and saw the demon guards posted everywhere. He thought:

Hanuman: If I don’t come up with a clever plan, I’ll surely fail. The city is full of demons. I must disguise myself and gather information.

Music: Roht (A dramatic piece)

(Hanuman transforms into an old demon named Sukatao)

Music: Crossing Borders (Indicating transformation)

Act 2 Scene 2

(Old demon Sukatao approaches the gate and encounters the demon captain)

Dialogue:

Demon Captain: Stop right there, old man! Where are you from? You look so ancient, it’s like you’ve crawled out from the earth itself. What do you want?

Sukatao: Hey! Captain! Are you new here or what? Don’t you recognize me? I’m Sukatao, a senior guard from the past. I left Ayodhya long ago but returned upon hearing about our master’s distress.

Demon Captain: Oh, I see! So, you’re an old veteran. But don’t worry. Our master isn’t facing anything major, just some issues with keeping our guards alert to stop humans from sneaking in. You should rest easy.

Sukatao: Well, then! Make sure to guard well. Don’t let your watch slip!

(The demon captain salutes) Yes, sir! But… could you put in a good word for me with the master?

Sukatao: Sure, sure. But tell me, where is the beautiful Sita, who was taken captive?

(Demon Captain pauses) *I don’t know! But maybe you could ask Grandma Mala. She knows everything!

Music: Journey Music (Hanuman heads into the city to find more clues)

(Scene ends with the demon captain returning to his post)

Act 3 Scene 1

Music: Khmer Troeung Kroeung (Noble tune)

(Sita appears, weeping)

Music: Kantreae (A mournful melody)

(Sita sits alone. Grandma Mala watches her sorrow. Sita walks away, and Grandma follows)

(Drumroll: Reatih)

(Hanuman sees Grandma Mala and devises a new plan to gather information)

Narrator: Hanuman, the mighty warrior, upon seeing Grandma Mala, transformed into a beautiful young girl.

Hanuman: Now’s my chance! I must get close and find out the truth!

Music: Roht

(Hanuman transforms into a 15-year-old girl)

Music: Phteal Babori (Youthful tune)

(Young girl approaches Grandma Mala to gather information)

Dialogue:

Young Girl: Hello, Grandma!

Narrator: Grandma Mala was amazed by the young girl’s beauty and, enchanted, responded:

Grandma Mala: Oh my! Where did such a beautiful girl come from? Come here and sit. Let Grandma ask you something!

Young Girl: Dear Grandma, I came from Ayodhya. My parents brought me to the market, but I got lost when the demons caused chaos. It’s night now, and I have nowhere to stay. Please, Grandma, let me stay here for the night!

Grandma Mala: Oh, dear child! Of course, you can stay. I have plenty of space for you!

(Grandma examines the young girl’s beauty, thinking of offering her to Ravana)

Dialogue:

Grandma Mala: Would you be interested in marrying a powerful demon?

Young Girl: Oh, Grandma! I’d love a strong husband. But he has to be the most powerful demon in all of Lanka!

Grandma Mala: Perfect! Our King Ravana will be delighted to see you.

Young Girl: Okay, Grandma. Let’s wait until morning!

(Grandma laughs) *Oh, you sweet thing! You know, they brought Sita here because she’s so beautiful. But you might be even more radiant!

Young Girl: Really, Grandma? Tell me more!

Grandma Mala: Don’t worry, child. Tomorrow, I’ll take you to meet her!

(Hanuman smiles secretly, realizing his plan is working)

Act 4 Scene 2

Music: Weeping Melody (Sita contemplates her fate)

(Sita prepares to hang herself out of despair)

(Drumroll: Roht)

(Hanuman intervenes just in time)

Scene 2

Narrator: Sita, seeing a strange monkey approaching, was puzzled. She thought it might be another trick from Ravana. She said:

Sita: Oh, no! Another demon trick! I won’t believe you, whoever you are.

Hanuman: My lady, I am not from Ravana’s court. I am Hanuman, a loyal servant of Lord Rama, here to help!

Narrator:

Sita: Upon hearing this, Sita’s heart filled with hope. She spoke:

Sita: Oh! My heart has longed for my dear Rama. I’ve been in so much pain, longing for his embrace. Where are you, my love?

Music: Grand Ode

(Sita weeps uncontrollably)

Music: Roht

(Sita orders Hanuman to return with the message for Lord Rama)