It may come as a surprise to some, but San Jose has had its very own Indian dance company since 1980. The award-winning Abhinaya Dance Company is preparing to perform their newest show “Vaanara Leela – Monkeys in the Ramayana.”

Artistic Director and founder Mythili Kumar, who has received numerous awards, recently  received the 2015 Legacy Laureate Award from SVCreates. Along with her daughter, the two direct and choreograph the company’s performances.

After receiving praise for their 2014 show “Arjuna – A Warrior’s Tale,” the company returns to tell the Hindu legend of Prince Rama’s journey to save his wife. “We are excited to present this extraordinary tale of monkey warriors from the ancient Indian epic Ramayana,” Kumar said.

“The most extraordinary feature in this epic is the role played by the monkeys in the forest, where the prince is exiled. Prince Rama seeks the help of Hanuman, the monkey warrior venerated as a god, and Sugreeva, king of a vast monkey army, to find his abducted wife, Sita. Focusing on the story from the monkeys’ perspective, Abhinaya Dance Company’s production will dramatically portray the hordes of monkeys and their enthusiasm and energy as they set out to find Sita.“

Performances will take place Nov. 12-13 at the School of Arts and Culture at Mexican Heritage Plaza. Guests will be treated to Indian dance at its highest caliber. Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling 408.871.5959.