DRAMA:

The amazing Ants are back!

by Anuradha Kodagoda

‘Kumbi Kathawa’ (Ant Story), a magical evening of dance theatre presented by the students of the Chithrasena Vajira Dance Foundation, will be staged at the Bishop’s College Auditorium at 7.15 p.m. from October, 21 to 24. The show premiered in 2007 and the production that spellbound audiences was restaged in 2009.

Kumbi Kathawa tells the story of an ant colony that faces immense hardship as they are chased away by an evil force (a mosquito). The main ant family perseveres and rebuilds their home, and it becomes a place of joy where many different insects gather to celebrate.

When all the insects are threatened by a natural disaster (a flood), the ants stand strong and rescue all those who are struggling, including their former enemy the mosquito. It is a timely story of courage, rebuilding, compassion and forgiveness told through dance, with fabulous costumes, music, and lighting. It is going to be an event for the whole family to enjoy.

Conceived and choreographed by Anjalika Melvani (daughter of Gurus Chitrasena and Vajira) and directed by Heshma Wignaraja (grand-daughter of Gurus Chitrasena and Vajira), the ballet is based on the Russian children’s story ‘The Brave Ant’ by Tatiana Makarova.

Having invented the medium of Sinhala Ballet (where dance was used for the first time to convey a story), Chitrasena, Vajira, and their students have created many acclaimed performances that are now part of our cultural heritage.

Adult ballets such as ‘Karadiya’, ‘Kinkini Kolama’, and ‘Nala Damayanthi’, and children’s ballets such as ‘Hapana’ and ‘Ran Kikili’are all masterpieces from the Chitrasena School of Dance. ‘Kumbi Kathawa’ follows in this great tradition.

“When this dance drama first premiered in 2007 and was restaged in 2009, audiences were captivated by the simple yet powerful story that was conveyed through dance and choreography, costumes, music and lighting. The ballet had been honed to perfection over a period of five years.

For this restaging, further enhancements have been made to the choreography, costumes and lighting. We are sure it is going to be a novel experience for theatre lovers as well as dance lovers,” Heshma Wignaraja, director of Kumbi Kathawa said at a press briefing announcing the vent.

In recognition of the quality and depth of this production, Kumbi Kathawa has now been included in the GCE Ordinary Level syllabus by the Ministry of Education.

“The restaging of Kumbi Kathawa in October provides an opportunity for those who missed it the previous times, and those who want to see it again, to enjoy this wonderful production. And as children and adults get drawn in by the magic that is Kumbi Kathawa, they may also absorb some important life lessons that are very relevant as we come together to rebuild as a nation,” Heshma elaborated.

Tickets priced at Rs. 2500, Rs. 2000, Rs.1500, Rs.1000, Rs.750 and Rs. 500 (balcony) are available at Chitrasena Kalayathanaya, 590 Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 5 (next to Lanka Hospitals) and through ticketslk.com . For more information contact the Chitrasena School of Dance: 0113150570 and 0112368902 or email [email protected]

Pictures by Luxmanan Nadaraja