Ranmalem, also spelled as Ranmalyem, is a folk theater form of
Goa. It is based on the
Ramayana. This drama is presented by the members of peasant community. This folk drama combines social awareness with entertainment.
Ranmalem begins with a ritualistic invocation part called Naman, in which the deities are invoked. The scene proceeds towards the actual narration and depiction of the episodes of the Ramayana. The final and concluding part is called Dhongam. This section is based on a social theme and loaded with lots of humor and entertainment meant especially for the masses. It comprises of a main story with lots of short skits and interludes thrown in-between.
