TV Times

‘Raja Thun Kattuwa’ the Magi return after a decade

By Susitha R. Fernando

‘Rajathun Kattuwa’ (A story of three kings), the oldest Sinhala Catholic traditional drama or Nadagama will be staged after ten years at the open air theatre by the beautiful Indian ocean in Negombo on January 8, 9 and 10, 2010.

Last performed in 2000, this operatic and balletic theatrical performance is not only a ritual, cultural item but a religious observance that was celebrated during the Christmas period. The multi-cast Nadagama with glittering costumes is performed at a specially built ‘Karaliya’ (open round theatre stage) built at the beautiful sea shore in front of Duwa (Negombo) church of Our Lady of Good Voyage.

The three-day performance which goes as three parts of one play enacted for nearly five hours will be opened by the Archbishop of Colombo, Rt. Rev. Dr. Malcolm Ranjith, who will be the chief guest on the opening day Janaury 8. Among the other invitees are religious leaders, well-known artistes, scholars and undergraduates of theatre and drama.

‘It has been accepted by persons like Dr. Ediriweera Sarathchandra, Dr. M. H. Goonatilake, Dr. Sunil Siriwardena, Dr. Sunil Ariyaratne and Dr. Tissa Kariyawasam who have done researches and studies on Nadagam that this nativity play, ‘Raja Thun Kattuwa’ had encouraged and promoted our national drama,’ said Lucas Fernando, Secretary of Duwa Deewara Janaranga Kendraya (Duwa Fisher Community Cultural Forum) which produces, presents and organises the play. It is also a united endevaour by the fisher folk of Duwa, Negombo and the funds for this big budgeted play are collected through the generous donations contributed by the villagers themselves.

‘The play reminds of a significant stage in the history of Sinhala Nadagama,’ Mr. Fernando said.
Celebrating the gospel account of St. Mathew where three Megi worship the Infant Jesus at the cattle shed, ‘Raja Thun Kattuwa’ was originally composed by Gabriel Fernando of Chilaw in the mid 15th century. It was impoved upon by Juan Pintu of the same village in 1885.

Other versions were subsequently introduced in the Chilaw-Negombo area. The text of the Raja Thun Kattuwa play of Duwa belonged to a versatile artiste fondly remembered as Manghokka Gurunanse and his script is the cherished property of the people of Duwa.

Top to the page  |  E-mail  |  views[1]
 
Other Magazine Articles
Being witty about being funny
Rhizomatic: Welcome to new ventures in multi-media
Girl with a plumeria
Sensuous feast at Habibi
Music, fun, surprises and more at 2010’s Country Roads encore
Mirror Magazine Articles
Aiming for Hollywood
How full is your glass?
Graduation Ball
Hitting the high notes
War and peace predominate
Office 2010 Online !
Watch out for 2010
TV Times Articles
Romantic comedy with ‘Notting Hill’
Jade shines Down Under
Idiots visit MC
‘Cruel Romance’ at Russian Centre
‘Raja Thun Kattuwa’ the Magi return after a decade
Swan on the screen
Yovunma for creative weddings
Lavish and thrilling promises from Mount Lavinia Hotel
TV Times - Cover of the week

 

 
Reproduction of articles permitted when used without any alterations to contents and a link to the source page.
© Copyright 2010 | Wijeya Newspapers Ltd.Colombo. Sri Lanka. All Rights Reserved.| Site best viewed in IE ver 6.0 @ 1024 x 768 resolution