Mudrika: The new queen in choreography

The literal meaning of choreography is "dance-writing" or "dance composition" and it is the art of making structures in which movement occurs. People who create choreographies are called choreographers. In Sri Lankan cinema and music scene the latest find in the art of choreography is Mudrika Swarnathileka Fernando.

Traditionally a job confined to a dancing teacher or a person who could dance, Mudrika has proved that it is an art on its own which needs, talent, education and all round knowledge of cinema or the visual art. Professionally qualified Mudrika has proven her versatility with 'Heart FM', the latest film by Shenesh Dissanayake Bandara.

This talented young artiste who successfully completed her primary and higher education at Presbyterian College and Alethea International School is determined to make a change in the art of choreography in the local entertainment scene and she spoke to the TV Times about her views and new development on this less-spoken and less focused art.

Mudrika: I have been dancing from the age of 3 and I studied it until the age of 16. However I had to give it up as I had to shift my field of education to mathematics in order to please my parents. After completing my higher education in Mobile Commerce, an advanced field of E-Commerce, I secretly applied to the Asian Academy of Film and Television in New Delhi for film education. This is because I had a childhood dream to join cinema. And the subject area I selected in cinema was choreography in which possibly I am the first student from Sri Lanka. Even though I got permission for six month from my parents and I was able to continue it for two years and I am still a student there.

Mudrika: While I was searching for some work which would be useful for my practical projects on choreography, I came across Mrs. Sumithra Peries who offered me some work in her latest film 'Yahaluwo'. I really treasure working under Mrs. Peries because she had an understanding on what I was doing.

Then only I came to know about Senesh who agreed to offer a song, the main song 'Hello-Hello' for me. But at the end I was given three songs in the film. I am really glad and is grateful for Senesh who placed his confidence in me.

TVT: According to you what are the requisites essential to be a professional choreographer?

Mudrika: There is a notion that being a dancing teacher is sufficient to be a choreographer. But this is wrong. While having the knowledge of all types of dancing styles, it is vital that the choreographer should have the knowledge of directing. He or she has to have a complete knowledge on camera angles, editing and above all be a good director. And more than anything else, the choreographer should have full knowledge on the script he or she is going to work with.

TVT: What position does this particular area of filmmaking occupy in Sri Lankan cinema?

Mudrika: To have good choreography we need good cinema, especially a good popular cinema. But after 1970s and 80s there were no good films and the trend was going further downword. But we can see that there is again a change from 2000 and specially after 2004 there is a development in popular cinema. The international recognition reached by our art cinema was never reached by the commercial cinema.

And another reason for its slow development is our artistes who need a lot of grooming. Choreography is not limited to dancing sequences only. In world renowned action films like 'Matrix' choreography plays an important role in action sequences. Even though our actors and actresses are good in acting, they need training for choreography. Compared to cinema Sri Lankan music industry has gone far ahead with its achievement. Choreography in our music production can even compete with international productions.

TVT: According to you what are the areas that should be given priority by the artistes?

Mudrika: First and foremost, everyone must love cinema. Their aim in the art should not be either to have a mere job or a means of income. Unfortunately whether one can dance or not the first question that arises is how much they, he or she would be paid. This is very pathetic. And other problem is the dancers who enter this field with ulterior motives like joining acting or getting popularity.

Mudrika: I really want to make a team which could reach the level of Broadway and Hollywood. But this would be a real challenge, because to select the proper team itself has become an uphill task. The reason for this is our dancers lack flexibility and they require lot of hard work and dedication.

In order to make her own troupe of dancers, Mudrika is busy with selecting young talented dancers. Several film projects have already come her way and auditions are open. Anybody who wants to make a long career in choreography under the guidance of this talented choreographer could contact her on 2721946.