Cultural Diary

'Rasinghe Deviyo' goes down under

'Rasinghe Deviyo', a Sinhala original drama was launched in Melbourne on February 13. The play is a political tragi-comedy and it is about the life of ordinary people behind every war. The story is based on legends, folklore, and historical records during the period of King Rajasingha II, but with contemporary simulations. It is a contemporary drama using combination of folk and modern realistic styles enriched by music and choreography.

The play is scripted and directed by Tharanga Dandeniya and the music is directed by Tharupathi Munasinghe. The cast include Kusumsiri Liyanarachchi, Rukmal Nirsoh, Banuka Manorathna, Manjitha Chandrajith, Wipula Nayanananda, Gaminie Ranasinghe, Ajith de Silva, Nandasiri de Silva, Gajaba de Silva, Lilananda, Darmasiri, Chularathna, Dilini Walpola, Nishamalie, Weragoda and Rathna Guruge.

Workshops and classes at Chraft

Chraft, a division of the not-for-profit organisation Apostle conducts workshops and classes at 15B, Ekanayake Avenue, Nugegoda on Saturdays for the junior group (aged 8-15 years) from 4.00 p.m. - 7.00 p.m. and on Sundays for senior group (aged 16 and above "no upper limit) from 11 a.m. - 2.00 p.m.

Jerome de Silva

Chraft is a division of Apostle which is a not-for-profit organization, limited by warranty, currently under incorporation.

Chraft is committed to spreading the Gospel message through music and drama. Chraft wishes to provide an opportunity for Christians to exercise their musical and artistic abilities and crafts and further develop these God-given talents in the ministry of the Gospel.

Chraft is also committed to encouraging original Christian music and drama and create diverse products in both artistic fields consistent with the Christian system of values.

Chraft has engaged Jerome L. de Silva, a leading figure in theatre in Sri Lanka, with the responsibility of teaching the different aspects of drama and theatre.

Jerome brings with him many years of experience as an actor, producer, director and choreographer. In 1982 Jerome received the TOYP (Ten Outstanding Young Persons) of Sri Lanka award for his contribution to drama and in 2003 he became the 1st recipient of the YMCA Colombo's Synergy in Theatrum Award. Jerome has been awarded and felicitated by many leading schools and other theatre groups for services rendered in the field of theatre and drama.

There are many gifted and talented individuals of all ages in many churches and schools who have not had the opportunity to develop and use these gifts and talents, for whatever reason. Chraft wishes to create opportunities for these individuals to learn and develop these gifts and talents and use them in their schools, churches and communities. Chraft will also stage productions where these individuals will get the opportunity to use these gifts and talents.

Chraft invites schools and churches (of every denomination) to actively participate in the programs conducted. It is Charts intention to stage a full length drama and musical concert during the course of the year opening it to all course participants.

Kalapathi Sunil Lakshman wins int'l award

Kalapathi Sunil Lakshman, former President of the Ceylon Society of Arts, has been given the 'Honourable Mention Award' at the second Biennial International Screen Print Exhibition held in Tokyo, Japan recently. The exhibition had been organised by the Gallery of Japan Artists of Ginza, Tokyo, Japan.

Lakshman's entry to the exhibition was entitled "The Nature". His print creation "The Jungle Moon" exhibited at the Print Tokyo 2007 was selected for permanent display at the Sakima Art Museum, Okinawa, Japan.

Rhapsody of rhythm, radiance and colour

Chaya - Exhibition of art photography:

Chaya, the exhibition of photographs by Dr. Jeewaranga Gunasekera will be held at Lionel Wendt Art Gallery on March 6 and 7 from 9.00 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. each day. The opening ceremony will be at 3.00 p.m. on March 5 at Lionel Wendt.

"Janakaraliya" in Anuradhapura

Janakaraliya has planned to continue its theatre arts programmes, workshops and other activities in the district of Anuradhapura in March. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage and Provincial Education Department of North Central are assisting these programmes.

'Janakaraliya drama festival' will be held from March 1st to 10 in the 'Mobile Theatre' which will be assembled on the Central College ground in Anuradhapura; for school children and the general public. Two of the dramas scheduled for performance include 'Charandas' which was adjudicated the best drama at the National Drama Competition - 2006 bagging 09 awards in both Sinhala and Tamil categories, 'Sekkuwa' - winner of 06 awards at the State Drama Festival in 1976. The other dramas to be performed are "Meti Karaththaya", "Seethambarapataya" (written by Mangala Senanayake) and "Anadaramal".

In addition to the drama festival an International Film Festival is also scheduled in the programme from March 11 to 18. Drama and Theatre workshops and drama appreciation programmes are scheduled for the teachers and the schoolchildren of the Anuradhapura District. March 8 is dedicated to the provincial artists of the district providing them the opportunity to perform their arts for the festival in the Mobile Theatre.

The 'Janakaraliya Theatre Arts Programme' will be conducted by Parakrama Niriella, Amitta Weerasinghe, Prematilake Perukanda, and Dilip Rohana. Janakaraliya members; Nishantha Kularathne, Sumudu Mallawaarachchi, Palitha Abeylal, Muniyandi Kalidas, Sokkalingam Krishanthan, Ajanthan Shanthikumar, Verny Theresa, Arosha Tharanganee, Ronika Charmali, Sineth Devinda, Thyagaraja Shiveneshan, Manjula Ranasinghe, Tarzan Sam Paul, Rasaiah Lohananthan, Malithi Kumari, Selvaraj Leelawathie, Inoka Lankapura, Chandanie Malkanthi, Ranjith Sumith Fernando, Jayantha Muthuthantri, Dinesh Sri Livera, Suneth Shanthapriya are extending their unreserved cooperation for the programme.