‘Rajathun Kattuwa’ (A story of three kings), the oldest Sinhala Catholic traditional drama or Nadagama will be staged after ten years at the open air theatre by the beautiful Indian ocean in Negombo on January 8, 9 and 10, 2010.
Last performed in 2000, this operatic and balletic theatrical performance is not only a ritual, cultural item but a religious observance that was celebrated during the Christmas period. The multi-cast Nadagama with glittering costumes is performed at a specially built ‘Karaliya’ (open round theatre stage) built at the beautiful sea shore in front of Duwa (Negombo) church of Our Lady of Good Voyage.
The three-day performance which goes as three parts of one play enacted for nearly five hours will be opened by the Archbishop of Colombo, Rt. Rev. Dr. Malcolm Ranjith, who will be the chief guest on the opening day Janaury 8. Among the other invitees are religious leaders, well-known artistes, scholars and undergraduates of theatre and drama.
‘It has been accepted by persons like Dr. Ediriweera Sarathchandra, Dr. M. H. Goonatilake, Dr. Sunil Siriwardena, Dr. Sunil Ariyaratne and Dr. Tissa Kariyawasam who have done researches and studies on Nadagam that this nativity play, ‘Raja Thun Kattuwa’ had encouraged and promoted our national drama,’ said Lucas Fernando, Secretary of Duwa Deewara Janaranga Kendraya (Duwa Fisher Community Cultural Forum) which produces, presents and organises the play. It is also a united endevaour by the fisher folk of Duwa, Negombo and the funds for this big budgeted play are collected through the generous donations contributed by the villagers themselves.
‘The play reminds of a significant stage in the history of Sinhala Nadagama,’ Mr. Fernando said.
Celebrating the gospel account of St. Mathew where three Megi worship the Infant Jesus at the cattle shed, ‘Raja Thun Kattuwa’ was originally composed by Gabriel Fernando of Chilaw in the mid 15th century. It was impoved upon by Juan Pintu of the same village in 1885.
Other versions were subsequently introduced in the Chilaw-Negombo area. The text of the Raja Thun Kattuwa play of Duwa belonged to a versatile artiste fondly remembered as Manghokka Gurunanse and his script is the cherished property of the people of Duwa. |
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