Arts
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strokes from lessons learnt Featured will be the work of Channa S. Ekanayake, Shazra Jadulla Jameel, Nazra Jadulla Jameel, Ahalya Radhakrishnan, Dina Perumal, Gill Owens, Zinufa Razik and Shyamali Perera. All the artists consider themselves fortunate to have studied art with Dora. From art history, theory, techniques to style, the classes, which comprised many discussions and practical sessions have been enriching, they say. One of Dora's first students, Dina recalls fondly the early sessions on still life and drawing real life models. "I'm still trying to find myself," she says. Her contribution to the exhibition would be semi-abstracts done in watercolours. Today a web designer, she paints purely as a hobby. A final year student of architecture, Ahalya says, “Architecture is disciplined while art is more free," adding that she uses both to complement each other. Shyamali has been studying art on and off during the past 10 years. Her paintings, mainly figures are on a variety of subjects - monks, drummers, women- all done in earth colours. She has also done many landscapes. Zinufa, also a student of the late Mudaliyar Amarasekera and Cora Abraham is a proficient fabric artist and porcelain painter. She has ventured into landscapes on canvas, taking inspiration from nature. Using acrylic, gouache (a water medium, more opaque than water colours that helps to get textures), oil and charcoal figures, she shows a preference for greens. Maldivian twins Shazra and Nazra have been studying art full time for several years. They speak passionately of their classes with Dora and the knowledge and skills she helped them develop. It was a lengthy process comprising studying tones, selecting material, preparing canvas, construction, lines and formats, black and white versions, composition tones, choosing colour schemes, and miniature painting. Dora always had her students copy the work of great European artists. "There's much to learn from them, she would say," explains Gill who is British. Gill had always been interested in art but never had any formal training. "Dora opened my eyes and since then it has been constant learning." She paints figures mainly, her subjects most often being children. A science master by profession, Channa has taken part in many exhibitions including a solo showing in 2001. His one and only teacher has been Dora with whom he studied for nine years. His main theme for this exhibition is dwellings - the rural and traditional pictures, often with indigenous murals. He prefers rough textures in earth tones and his favourite colour is ultra marine blue, which goes well with earth tones. It is impressive how Channa is able to do a painting with a limited palette. This he says was among the most valuable lessons he learnt - "How to fight with limited weapons! We can be creative with a few things as there are different tones in each colour," he says. The Studio d'Art Group meets about twice a week to discuss and critique each other's work. Their exhibition featuring copies of great artists and originals of high standard is bound to fascinate art lovers. Most contemporary artists, Channa says, want to give a message through their art. In the process they lose the aesthetic value. One can be assured that the 80 odd paintings at this exhibition have retained that. Jubilate
Choir from Australia to perform with Peradeniya Singers Including music of a wide variety of styles and periods from unaccompanied polyphony to full-blooded six-part harmony with piano and organ support, the programme showcases the range of Western choral music. The Jubilate Choir from Victoria, Australia comes to Sri Lanka for the first time. Led by its enthusiastic conductor Crosbie de Kretser thirty-six members and three accompanists are making the trip to Sri Lanka. They will be joined in Kandy by the Peradeniya Singers, numbering 35 for this concert, conducted by Bridget Halpe. This group which began as the University Singers in Peradeniya in 1953 gives two concerts a year regularly besides participating in special events. Admission will be by programme available from Mrs Bridget Halpe - tel 081-2239113 and at the gate. Punchi
Theatre strides ahead The play is about a man called Peralta who is always doing good deeds. Peralta portrayed by Kamal Addarachchi is one day tested by Jesus and St. Peter who come to find out if Peralta's intentions are genuine. Pretending that they are pilgrims Jesus and St. Peter stay at Peralta's house and leave behind a bag of gold coins. Finding the gold coins, Peralta runs after them to return the coins only to find out the real identity of the pilgrims and to be told that because of the good he does, he is going to be granted five wishes. The play is about the opportunities that are provided through those wishes. "This play is thought-provoking whilst at the same time entertaining," says Professor Falk. Hard at work since February the professor says he was fortunate enough to have a group of people who are both skilled and able to understand and capture the essence of the characters. "They capture the humorous side of it particularly well," he says. "Each culture has its own ways of working," says Professor Falk adding that he is delighted to have the opportunity to learn the way in which Sri Lankan actors work. "It was an effective and profitable experience which I hope benefited all of us," he adds. “They are willing to try anything and have brought a great deal of expertise into the production," he adds. A play with no sense of reality but very theatrical, the concept has extended to its costumes. According to Professor Falk, Malini Weeramuni has done a brilliant job in designing the costumes. "The audience will be able to enjoy some surprises," he says. He is highly appreciative of the Punchi Theatre concept and is glad to be a part of its first production. "I feel this is the best way of approaching theatre in our time," he says adding that the survival of theatre in a world dominated by television and cinema is going to be through concepts like Punchi Theatre. The close engagement between the actors and the audiences sets theatre apart from television and film. There is great intimacy at Punchi Theatre and a direct connection between the actors and the audience. This makes it challenging and satisfying for both groups, says Prof. Falk. He says the stunning architecture of the theatre is in every respect unique. "I think it's safe to say there is not a single theatre quite like this structure." The dynamic cast, includes Nita Fernando, Dominic Keller, Kasun Mapatuna and Lucien Bulathsinhala. Wasanth Kumar will choreograph the play while Jayatissa Alahakoon will be handling the music. The first play to go on the boards at the Punchi Theatre, "In the right hand of God the father" will be from March 18 - 24 at 6.45 p.m. Tickets are priced at Rs. 300 and Rs.200 and are available at the theatre. |
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