• Upeka - a treat to watch
• Dancing with expression
• Give us more
• When is the question

Upeka - a treat to watch

Upeka has come a long way as a skillful dancer since she did her first role in 'Kinkini Kolama' 21 years ago. Watching her perform the Saraswathi Pooja at the Maitri Sandya, another meaningful cultural evening presented by the Indian Cultural Centre at the Bishop's College Auditorium last week, proud parents Vajira and Chitrasena would have felt happy that she has mastered the art they have been striving to perfect for six decades. In technique, in poise and in authority she is no second to mother Vajira.

The senior duo also watched the maturity of star pupil Ravibandu both in drumming and dancing. Seeing Ravibandu 'in action', Chitra (as we fondly call the maestro) would have gone back in memory to the days he thrilled the audiences with his 'Ves Natuma' described as the most impressive and skillful of the Kandyan dance forms. Ravi and Upeka performed the 'Ves' with other upcoming artistes to climax an absorbing evening.

It was nice to see Upeka being confident enough to don the mantle of being the "proud heiress to paternal majesty and maternal grace", as a critic observed some years back. It was obvious that she was not afraid to "explore the unknown", as mentioned at the introduction. Just as much as she thrilled the audience with her opening item, the Saraswathi Pooja (with music composed and sung by the reputed Arundathi Sri Renganathan and drum composition by veteran Piyasara Shilpadhipathy), she demonstrated her virtuosity in 'Bera Nada Chalana', illustrating the rhythmic drum patterns of the up-country and low-country dance forms (composed by P. M. K. Bandara & Ravibandu and choreographed by Vajira).

The 'Davul Thammattam' and 'Yak Bera' gave an indication of the rich drum tradition we possess.

The evening convinced everybody that the Chitrasena tradition is in safe hands with such a vibrant and disciplined team. Along with Upeka and Ravi, dancers Sumedha, Samanthi, Saranga, Kushlani and Dilhani and drummers Bandara, Prashantha, Susantha and Nalin proved how they have worked hard over the years with devotion and commitment.

At a time when numerous innovations and 'fusions' are being tried out in the name of traditional dance, it is consoling that there still remain those who genuinely promote the traditional form.

Dancing with expression

The Maitri Sandya evening also gave us a glimpse of numerous popular dance forms in India. The performer was Kanchana Wijesooriya, an exponent of Kathakali, a dance form prevalent in Kerala.

Decked in traditional garb, she started with 'Purappadu' (portrayal of Radha & Krishna) and went on to illustrate 'Battu', a dance performed in Orissa, 'Ganesha Gautham', the classical dance form of Andra Pradesh and climaxed with 'Puthana Moksham', a Kathakali form which needed much skill, both in dance and facial expression. She showed much talent and should soon be a star attraction.

The Bandu Wijesooriya School of Dance was responsible for the music which had been recorded at Kerala Kala Mandalam.

Possibly the audience would have enjoyed the items more if someone was a bit more careful in managing the sound.

Give us more

A quality black and white film with a simple story can always be very absorbing. This was evident when watching 'Cranes are Flying', the Russian film screened a few decades ago and repeated over Rupavahini recently. The moving human story demonstrates the futility of war.

At a time when filmgoers have precious little choice, Rupavahini's efforts to screen popular old films is laudable. Give us more.

When is the question

No sooner had news reached here about Joe Abeywickrema being adjudged Best Actor at the Singapore International Festival, we were told that the President had instructed that Purahanda Kaluwara, Prasanna Vitanage's film which earned him the coveted award be screened without delay. That was four months ago. Yet there is no news as to when local fans will get a chance to see Joe's portrayal of the blind man who hardly spoke but said somuch.

Maybe the Film Corporation's new boss can see what can be done

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