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Kala Korner - by Dee Cee

Dancing duo Ravibandu & Samanthi entertain
The dancing duo Ravibandu and wife Samanthi recently demonstrated their capabilities at a five-day festival at the John de Silva Theatre proving themselves a talented couple. Both pupils of Chitrasena and Vajira, they have come a long way in their dancing careers and show maturity in their approach and competence in creating something new and innovative.

Being the son of renowned artiste Somabandu Vidyapathi, famous for his stage decor, costumes and painting, Ravibandu grew up in an artistic environment closely observing the father's prowess. Somabandu being a close associate of maestro Chitrasena, got the son interested in dancing at an early age. He not only learnt traditional dancing but also observed and grasped the master's art of presenting them imaginatively. Judging from what he is doing, Ravibandu has a most creative and innovative mind and is able to present something new without deviating from the traditional forms.

Ravibandu acquired wide experience by performing in most of Chitrasena's productions including 'Nala Damayanthi', 'Shivaranga' and 'Kinkini Kolama' and played the lead role in Vajira's ballets 'Chandalika' and 'Rashomon'. He started creating his own ballets with 'Thunvenna' in 1994 following up with several others. He produced a new one titled 'Thrushna' for the recent festival.

Samanthi herself has been a student of Chitrasena Kalayatanaya from the age of seven and was a regular participant at Vajira's ballets. Having taught at the Kalayatanaya, later she formed her own school of dancing with Ravibandu. Her speciality is teaching dancing to the young ones.

Innovative drumming

Apart from his dancing skills, Ravibandu is an excellent drummer. He learnt the art from the veteran master of drumming, Piyasara Shilpadipati and went on to research on how he could give a new meaning to the rich tradition of Sri Lankan drumming. Having created new sounds through a mix of local and Indian drums, he moved on to innovate through the fusion of the indigenous 'getaberaya',' tammettama' and other drums with western instruments like the electronic guitar and jazz drums. The result has been most satisfying.

'Bheri Nada', presented at the festival demonstrated his ability to innovate with the drums.

Presently, Ravibandu functions as director of the State Dance Ensemble.
Recognition for young filmmaker

This year's Cannes Film Festival brought recognition to Sri Lanka in more than one way. In addition to Dr. Lester James Peries being honoured with the UNESCO Fellini Gold Award, a documentary on him made by a young filmmaker was screened.

A short film made by a young Sri Lankan student studying in a French film school was also selected for screening in the Student section. The filmmaker, Vimukti Jayasundera is on a three year scholarship in France.

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