Beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Just as we step into December, you cannot help but feel a little hopeful for joy that is to come. Children laughing, the decorations and carols playing on the radio, all of this brings about that feeling of Christmas.
File photo : Jith in the Christmas spirit
For well over 30 years, Jith Peiris’ ‘Silver Bells’ show has been the season starter. However, this time the show will be staged on December 10 at the Lionel Wendt theatre.
We spoke to Jith this week, who tells us that particularly after everything that’s happened this year, people are looking for hope and peace in their lives. And what better time to do it than Christmas. “Christmas is enjoyed by everybody and ‘Silver Bells’ brings everyone from all walks of life together,” he says.
Jith has always held the firm belief that the “birth of the Prince of Peace” is one of the most important parts of the Christian calendar. This is why, Christmas has always been a grand affair in the Peiris household.
When he was a child, his mother would always go that extra mile to make the season extra special for him. And this is where his love for the season stems from. Jith shares one of his fondest memories of Christmas, which was in England a few years ago with his family. “We went to church for the midnight service and when I came out it was snowing.” Jith fondly remembers all of them hitting each other with snow balls.
Gearing up for Silver Bells. Pic by Indika Handuwala
Today, he strives to makes the season fun for himself and also those around him through ‘Silver Bells’.
As he explains, ‘Silver Bells’ will feature a little something for everyone in the audience. The performances for the evening range from a Rock and Roll jive, a contemporary dance piece, instrumentals, choral and solo performances.
However, what all of them share in common is that the music will keep with the festive mood.
Jith also hopes to stage a recital of a Christmas poem, which he feels would add to the festivities. Some of the notable acts for the evening will include Daniella Perera, Gananath Dassanayake on the saxophone, Contempo and many more.
Through the music and an overall sense of happiness, Jith aims to convey that beautiful message of hope and unity, which is much needed.
Tickets for the show are priced at Rs. 3000, Rs.1500, Rs.1000 and
Rs.800 (Balcony).