 
Inspired by a swan!
This time ‘An Inspired Swan
Lake’ will be presented by CentreStage Productions in partnership with
One Trust Sri Lanka and is tipped to take place at the Lionel Wendt
Theatre from 5th until the 7th of March.
 Sunera Foundation Founder Sunethra Bandaranaike said: “Ever since we
held the first ‘Inspired Swan Lake’ last year in October, everyone who’s
seen it wants us to take it internationally.” She further said,
“However, there are actual logistical obstacles we still need to
overcome like special accommodation for the performers which have to be
taken into consideration and of course, funds for it.”
Adapting Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake into a total ballet production by
getting soldiers and the Foundation’s participants involved is a mighty
feat. “I’ve had to develop a new story for the music while also
fashioning different types of non-traditional dance which really tested
me. To put the icing to the cake, Jehan has had to work with a rather
physically disabled cast who have never danced before which can be
challenging but rewarding all the same”, said Jehan. The wonderful
people of CentreStage Productions have been working together with
disabled soldiers from Ranaviru Sevana as well as hearing-impaired
participants from the Sunera Foundation.
Director and playwright Jehan has had to formulate a special
theatrical process to inculcate the dramatic choreography for the Sunera
Foundation performers. Ever since they first went on stage, they have
been constantly learning and practising their dance moves.Even though
they can’t hear, it’s like they envision the images and perform them
with dexterous talent like they hear the music inside their minds.
 Named ‘Body Narratives’, Jehan has created a piece of physical
artistic theatre which he says is a form of movement that deconstructs
the rule-governed forms of dance, such as ballet, which are constructed
for ‘able’ bodies, and includes new ‘appendages’ such as crutches and
wheelchairs.” Since the theme revolves around uncovering the human body
in all its strength and beauty, the performance celebrates our self in
the way we were destined to be in.
- ND
Pix: Upul Rodrigo
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