The company, founded in 1992 by Ranee Ramaswamy, uses old forms of artistic expression in new ways, retaining much of the past to enhance audiences' experience of the present. Ragamala bridges ancient and modern cultures, creating living poetry on the stage.

Ramaswamy's choreography draws on the exquisite pandanallur style of bharatanatyam, the ancient classical dance of Southern India. Bharatanatyam, which is highly structured, incorporates ancient gestures, movements and stories.

Ragamala Music and Dance Theatre has established a record of artistic innovation and groundbreaking collaborations with national and international artists. Performers on the Ohio tour will include Ranee Ramaswamy, artistic director and choreographer; Shubhendra Rao, sitar player; Udai Mazumdar, tabla player; Aparna Ramaswamy, dance master; Kats Fukasawa, male

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To help arts organizations that are grappling with cultural diversity and audience development, the Ohio Arts Council will present a Cultural Diversity and Audience Development Workshop in three Ohio cities this fall. Abel Lopez, associate producing director of GALA Hispanic Theatre in Washington, D.C., will discuss strategies for building diverse audiences. The workshops will highlight an organization in each community that has embraced cultural diversity or has developed a specific audience. Ohio Arts Council representatives will talk about OAC resources available to help organizations reach their cultural participation goals.

Workshops will be presented from 1 to 4 p.m. in Columbus November 22, Cincinnati November 23 and Cleveland November 30. Information is being mailed to organizations that have applied for OAC funding in the past two years. Advance registration is not required.

Questions? Call Melissa Donovan, coordinator of the OAC Information and Resource Assistance Program, at 614/466-2613.