Vessanthara ballet by SIS: A remarkable assembly of talent
 

by Ranga Chandrarathne

It was indeed a feast to the eyes of Sri Lankan theatregoers who assembled at the Bishop College Auditorium to witness Vessanthara Jatakaya in ballet form being presented by young talented students of the SIS.

One of the striking features of the ballet were the excellent costumes designed, similar in temperament with the spirit of the story and was in harmony with ancient times. The young cast was talented and well-trained that they were able to enact every important episode of Vessanthara Jatakaya well though the story was condensed into a ballet. Director Jayawanthi Panibharatha should be commended for coaching and training the young talented students within a short period and to adapt Vessanthara Jatakaya, which was indeed a challenge, into a coherent ballet.

The scriptwriter Hema Perera has done her share of work brilliantly without missing out any important aspects in the story, which highlights the quality of boundless generosity on the part of king Vessanthara.

Lighting throughout the ballet was excellent and suited the unfolding scenes. The Principal and staff had made a right choice by selecting the Bishop's College Auditorium for the performance, as it is one of the best auditorium's in Colombo. One of the most creative artistes, Jananath Warakagoda has contributed to the success of the ballet by rendering his music. He has shown his capability in serious work.

The young cast should be commended for their dedication and willingness to take part in the adaptation of Vessanthara Jatakaya to coincide with the 2250 Buddha Jayanthi.

Vessanthara Jatakaya, one of the best Jataka stories, which is often recited in Viharayas on full-moon days, has been adapted into a ballet by the Students of the Stafford International School (SIS) to enrich student life at SIS and also to expose them to the best work in oriental tradition.

Certainly the credit of this production to mark the 2550 Buddha Jayathi should go to the director Jayawanthi Panibharatha, Principal Mrs. Noreen Welikala, staff and the management of SIS.