Dance drama ‘Sivakamiyin Sabatham’ celebrates Kalalaya school of Dance and Music @70
Chief guest Prof. Maithree Wickramasinghe (centre) at the event
The Sri Lanka Tamil Women’s Union inaugurated by Dr. Mary Rutnam in 1909 is a community that strives to preserve the rich culture of Tamils. Their literature, art, music, dance, sculpture and drama have all been nurtured and grown prosperously through the encouragement of the SLWTU. On September 1, 1948, the SLWTU opened the Kalalaya School of Dance and Music to support Tamil culture, art and education.
Celebrating the 70th anniversary of Kalalaya School of Dance and Music, the Sri Lanka Tamil’s Women Union (SLWTU) presented the poignant dance drama ‘Sivakamiyin Sabatham’ at the Bishops College Auditorium, Colombo 3, on September 30.
Written by Kalki Krishnamurthy and renowned as one of the most remarkable novels written in Tamil, Sivakamiyin Sabatham depicts a story of political intrigue, forbidden romance and unwavering strength. Through captivating dances from an ensemble of 40, we watched the heartbreaking story of Sivakami and Prince Narendravarmar, the cunning machinations of the monk Nagananthi and the tension between the Pallava and Chalukya kingdoms.
A scene from the musical drama. Pic by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
The talented dancers selected were from students across the country, especially from Jaffna, led by Kalai Chelvi Nirmala John who choreographed all the dances in the drama. I.T. Benedict provided the script composition and direction with Isai Mudumaani Arunanthy Aruran supplying the music composition and direction.
Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest was Professor Maithree Wickramasinghe who was welcomed by President of the Sri Lanka Tamil’s Women Union Nirmala Ragunatha, Principal of the Kalalaya School of Dance and music Selvi Sachithanandam, Chairperson of the fund-raising committee Vijitha Thambinayagam and others of the union.
The concert proceeds would be used to improve facilities at the Kalalaya School of Dance and Music for its students.
Anyone interested in learning music and dance at the Kalalaya Dance School located in 400/2, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7, please contact: Principal Selvi Sachithanandam at 0773679656 or Vice- Principal Selvanithy Kanagaratnam at 0777827315.