Feminine revolution in percussion art
With the winning Trophy
Sri Lanka’s first ever all-female percussion band, ‘Thuryaa’, a revolutionary milestone in the history of percussion art in Sri Lanka will have their first public performance at 6.30 pm on December 6 at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, Colombo.
Winning international acclaim ‘Thuryaa’ women’s drums ensemble recently won the first place in the best music category and also the first place at the 18th Global Female Folk and Dance competition and carnival held in Punjab, India.
Seeded within the walls of the University of Visual and Performing Arts, the all-female ensemble was formed with ten talented undergraduate minds. Led by D. D. Sithara Maduwanthi, the first graduate in percussion in Sri Lanka and the others in band include Tharuka Sewwandhim Nadheeka Asurandha, Chamini Anurudhika, Sanduni Chathurangi, Shalini Yashodha, Hashani Siriwardhana, Chethani Rathnayake, Chathurika Sanaruwani and Osheen Sachini.
“There is hardly any recognition for female percussionists and I became the first female to follow a degree specialising in percussion at the Department of Percussion at the University of Visual and Performing Arts,” D. D. Sithara Maduwanthi first professionally qualified female percussionist in the country told TV Times.
Her journey of forming a band started when she was invited for a guest performance at a Leo Club event. Having seen their performance, the Department Head Tilak Weerasinghe encouraged them to form a band and continue the journey, Maduwanthi said explaining the starting of ‘Thuryaa’.
“Even though female play percussion while studying and performing traditional dancing like Udarata and Pahatharata (Upcountry and Low country), the role of women as percussionists have not been recognised,” she said adding that female playing ‘Bera’ in traditional events like Gammadu and Santhikarma is a taboo.
The young percussionist said their endaevour would give an opening to many girls who want to become professional percussionists in future.
The music director is C. B. M. Sriyan Chandrasekara and the musicians include Chamila Sangeeth, Supun C. Jayalath and Ruwan Jayashantha.
The band was grateful to Prof. Ariyaratne Kaluarachchi, the Vice Chancellor and other lecturers at the university for helping and encouraging them to form ‘Thuryaa’.
Female Falk Dance Competition in India