Where there is art, there is hope
Text and pic Nilma Dole
 In memory of the late MP Anura
Bandaranaike, the Sunera Foundation presented two delightful productions
by two inspiring theatrical geniuses.
Jehan Aloysius and his company CentreStage Productions gave a rare
treat of a musically powerful ‘An Inspired Swan Lake’ with impressive
and talented cast. Acting as Nicholas, Thusitha Wimalasuriya proved that
despite being in crutches, artistic movements can still be graceful and
appealing especially when the lovely Evangeline De Silva acted
brilliantly with her wonderful ballet moves as Gabrielle.
The star-crossed lovers, the beautiful Russian Swan Lake music, the
talented supporting cast and the special effects of the lake and the
bridge culminated to give a magical performance by the Sunera
Foundation.
A veteran in forum theatre and ‘Drama Therapy’, Nalinda Premaratne is
an avid artiste who works with the Abhina Academy of Performing Arts. In
the Sunera Foundation production, he gave his own ‘Human Touch’ to show
us that only if we give our best to society, then we can be better
people. In his drama, we take a look at the ‘a little sweet and a little
sour’ theme encompassing romance, adventure, mystery to reflect an
exotic dramatic experience.
Minister Townsend wants to send away those living in the slums of the
city but is finally left without anything until the people who he chased
restored him back to health. After understanding the value of the ‘Human
Touch’ he regains his health, appeals for a campaign to put him back
into power and works to improve and uplift the lives of those in the
slums.
 With a cast of over 20 special performers and a medley of song, dance
and theatre in a tale woven with all things sweet and sour, the ‘Human
Touch’ was a great piece of theatre. A special commendation should go to
Chinthani Mekhala who sang wonderfully and acted as a natural proving
that she has the potential to carve a niche in the performing arts
field.
Nearly 10 years old now, the Sunera Foundation has played a pivotal
role in uplifting the lives of people living with disabilities in the
area of performing arts. A way to make people understand that such
special people have immense talent and if the right energies are
chanelled into this, they can work wonders.
The Sunera Foundation conducts weekly workshops around the country
and have an annual Drama Festival Samanalayaya for showcasing the talent
of their participants and also raising awareness that people with
disabilities have rights too. With medical camps and counselling centres
together with Sarvodaya, the Sunera Foundation has striven to ensure
that the needs of such people have been addressed and that there is hope
for them to be useful to society. |
