Sunday Times 2
Goethe Institut presents ‘Hardboiled Wonderland Sri Lanka’
View(s):By Mithahasini Ratnayake
It is not every day in Sri Lanka that you hear music of the sort that speaks from the passion of people – of social issues and political pressures.
Music Matters, through the Goethe Institut, presents ‘Hardboiled Wonderland Sri Lanka’, a project between 4 Sri Lankan and 4 German artistes, inspired by the German original, that will tour the country.
The pioneer of this project is German bass player and composer, Sebastian Gramms. “It seemed like a natural progression for us to do a Sri Lankan version,” says Sumudi Suraweera, co-producer of the project with Gramms.
The show dates are as follows. Entry is free.
Nov 27: Sandasa Kala Peetaya, Kandy (4-6 pm)
Nov 29: Hotel Water Garden, Anuradhapura (6-8 pm)
Nov 30: Kälam, Jaffna (6-8 pm)
Dec 2: Finale at Goethe-Institut, Colombo (5-7 pm)
Through dynamic jazz, melodies, lyrics relating to social and political concerns that range from freedom of speech to environmental issues will be presented in all three languages. Related quotations and texts from various sources as well as the original texts by artistes involved are the main focuses of this multi-layered musical number. “This movement is a form of activism,” Sumudi said.
The aim of the project is to initiate a discussion amongst audience members as well as the performers.“The show is for all audiences who would have more than one mode of relating to the music,” adds Sumudi, “It will be an enriching experience.” Pix by Akila Jayawardena