Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

That’s what friends are for…
Apsara Kapukotuwa meets the talent of Winds of Change that will sing to heal the wounds of tsunami survivors
The citizens of this country, whatever their talents, backgrounds or capabilities have come together ever since the tsunami, which left in its wake despair destruction and broken dreams. The attempts of these people to help the devastated fellow island dwellers are not short of amazing, and the fact that there are many who continue to think about them and do what they can is truly admirable. February 22 and 23 are dates that would give you the opportunity to support another group of young people, the Combined Theatre Company, who have come together for this worthy cause.

Broadway and movie hits and everything in between – did I mention poetry set to a lovely fusion of Eastern music? A brainchild of Vinodh Senadeera, (who has previously directed Ropes of Sand and Proof for the Combined Theatre Company) Winds of Change was conceptualised and given its creative edge through the unstinted support of Suki Gunetilleka, Dillon Fox, Chaminda Samaraweera, and Damitha Peiris.

Adopting the famous anthem of Scorpions as their theme, Chaminda and Damitha set about getting the arrangement of music in order along with Vinodh while Suki is busy with selecting excerpts from the collection of poetry especially composed for the show by Sri Lankan poet Jean Arasanayagam. Chaminda, Damith, and Vinodh will be performing two original works, which would be the score for the renditions of the three poems composed by her.

With the greatest hits of the 70s and the 80s, and jazz mixed with the best of Indian and Sri Lankan music, the performance will also showcase the talents of Damitha on the clarinet and saxophone and the wizardry of Chaminda on drums and percussion. Dillon is set to croon the theme song and many of the great hits scheduled for the show. The rest of the evening’s entertainment is in the capable hands of the guest artistes – Penny Ferdinands, Samantha Ferdinands, Rushika Weerasuriya, Mathew Heinle, Dilini Perera, Bhagyani Benedict, Shenali Peiris and Dhaham Binduhewa.

According to Vinodh, the special thing about this cast is that everyone has been part of his productions at one time or the other through the years and he feels this is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to come together.

A sneak preview was enough to display the obvious – the talent of the bunch was blatantly apparent even to a person not immersed in the complexities of music appreciation. One item that you should not miss is their version of the ever-popular Ben. E. King number “Stand By Me.” This is a perfect example of what they set out to do; create their unique versions, which would incorporate the best of fusion inspired by jazz.

With the music of the show specifically chosen as a “getaway from reality” while the poetry is to reflect the reality in the aftermath of the tsunami, also in the list of items you should not miss is the reading of Jean Arasanayagam’s “Half Forgotten Island” full of hauntingly exquisite poetry. Penny’s rendition of “Smile” by Nat King Cole and a jazz version of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow,” Samantha’s version of Frank Sinatra’s all time classic “New York” and “That’s What Friends Are For,” Dillon (Bass) and his version of the title song “Winds Of Change,” “It’s Now Or Never” and “Strangers In The Night,” Dilini’s performance of “Vincent,” Shenali’s performance of “Memories” and Bhagyani’s version “The Rose,” and not forgetting Rushika and the unusual song by Norah Jones are truly entertaining while accomplishing what its supposed to, setting the lighter tone for the performance. The group also comes together for the inspirational “From A Distance.” Suki, Rushika and Mathew are the narrators for the production.

A true budding musical genius, Damitha plays a lot of musical instruments apart from his favourite wind instruments, whichinclude the guitar and piano. This A/L student at St. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia and a member (conductor) of the National Youth Orchestra is also into rowing, swimming and water polo as well.

Apart from studying for his A/Ls, Chaminda is very involved in the Arts stream and does not limit himself to his talent with drums and percussion. His past appearances at many shows, as well as all his experience both as an actor and musician, aids in making the music innovative and entertaining.

“We wanted to be a little more original, with music adapted to our style,” says Vinodh while the rest of the group enthusiastically nods. The success of last year’s Piano and Drums, which brought the art of improvised music to new levels and the rave reviews received for it, gave them the added confidence. Thus with Winds of Change they continue to experiment with the concept of combining improvised music and poetry set to music, for a better musical experience.

Winds of Change goes on board at the Russian Cultural Centre on February 22 and 23 at 8.00 p.m. All proceeds will be channelled for relief work, especially for those in the Ampara district. Tickets priced at Rs. 350/= are available at the Russian Cultural Centre in Colombo. Media sponsors are Art TV, TNL Radio and TNL LITE and The Sunday Times.

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