Theatre treat for young ones

Entertainment exclusively for children will be a special feature of ‘New Directions 2007’ – the festival of dance, art and theatre presented by Chandri Peris. Two performances, in English and Sinhala will take place on September 1 and 2 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Lionel Wendt.

The Yolande Abeyweera School of Speech and Drama will present a short skit, based on a modern fairy tale princess story, and performed by the young actors and actresses of the school.

‘Punchi apata dan therei’ a popular children’s play, written and directed by Somalatha Subasinghe will be performed by the professional theatre group of The Lanka Youth and Children’s Theatre Foundation. The play has been running for over 25 years, and has even been performed overseas.

A semi-musical, it has been edited slightly, to shorten the duration and includes a narrator, in keeping with the theme of storytelling. The Lanka Youth and Children’s Theatre Foundation has been producing children’s theatre for over two decades, and all their performances are focused on educating children on general art forms– music, dance, acting, colour, movement and even painting.

‘New Directions 2007’ will also feature dance performances that will take place on September 1 and 2 at 8 p.m. The Art Exhibition will be from September 1 to 3 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The aim of New Directions is to present as many artistic events as possible at a single venue.