Punchi Theatre sets the stage for cultural awakening
A weekly event at the theatre: From the glamorous Peacock dance (above) to comic relief (far right). Pix by Ranjith Perera
The rhythmic ‘tala’from the Thalampataa, the beat of the ‘geta beraya’ and the elegant movements of Sri Lankan dance are all part of the “Colombo Cultural Show” aimed at presenting authentic Sri Lankan art forms to the audience.
The programme that opened at the Punchi Theatre on Thursday, January 26, is the brainchild of veteran theatre couple Namel and Malini Weeramuni in collaboration with the Vice Chancellor of the University of Visual and Performing Arts Prof. Ariyarathne Kaluarachchi whose protégés, will perform for audiences every Thursday at 4.30 p.m.
Namel who has made it his lifelong mission to bring back many genuine Sri Lankan arts to theatre, is determined to resurrect the dances we take for granted. “As artists of the older generation it is my patriotic duty to promote my culture,” he says passionately when asked what inspired him to organize a cultural show.
Although the show is marketed for overseas visitors it will also help young students gain an appreciation of our traditions and culture. The programme will host 10 dance items from Kandyan, Sabaragamuwa and Low Country dance traditions performed as a weekly staple and include crowd-pleasers like the rhythmical ‘Ves’ dance and the glamorous Peacock dance. Comic relief will be provided with a performance from the quick-witted performer disguised as the spirit ‘Salupaliya’ who may appeal to non-native speakers by uttering some select lines in English and other European languages.
With the wide reach of Western influences especially on the younger generation, Namel states, “We are losing a sense of ourselves in this time”.
As the curtain falls on the Punchi Theatre stage every Thursday, audience members may perhaps leave their seats with a mind educated and a soul reawakened.
For more details of the Colombo Cultural Show, visit the official Punchi Theatre website http://www.punchitheatre.com/ which offers several foreign language options for overseas visitors.
