Arts

Winds of Change from South Africa

A dynamic dance show presented by South Africa's celebrated Tribanghi Dance Theatre, a pioneering and unique dance company from Johannesburg and under the guidance and vision of artistic director Jayesperi Moopen titled "The Winds of Change" is to be staged at the Bishop's College Auditorium on January 30 and 31 at 7.00 p.m.

This event is being organised by the Neelan Tiruchelvam Trust, International Centre for Ethnic Studies (ICES), Law and Society Trust and Triuchelvam Associates, to mark the life and work of Dr. Tiruchelvam who's 63rd birth anniversary falls on January 31.

Along with this group Ranjith Ratnasiri, an exponent of the traditional low country dance, will present a guest performance of mask and ritual items.

The Tribhangi Dance Theatre combines Bharatanatyam and African Zulu styles to percussion rhythms from both traditions. Tribanghi represents the post-apartheid era by uniting communities through inter-cultural dialogue based on Zulu and Indian dance.

The director Jayesperi Moopen, a fifth generation Indian, regarded as a 'traditional Indian choreographer' is nevertheless credited with exploring cross-cultural idioms, especially African forms, and her work has been showcased in the country's Dance Umbrella and similar platforms.

Ms. Moopen is settled in Johannesburg, South Africa, in search for a new cultural identity for herself and her group in the young democracy of her adoptive country. This production which includes three men - all Africans - are splendidly virile and athletic.

The three equally remarkable women are Africans of South Asian lineage, trained in India's revered Bharatanatyam dance tradition. They dance a visual feast of cross-cultural fusion animated by pulsing music and energised drumming.

Tribhangi Dance Theatre have performed in various festivals and venues in India, South Africa and Europe, including performances during the Football World Cup, which took place in Germany last summer. TV shows and special functions like performance at Nelson Mandela's birthday celebrations are all part of the company experience.

In addition to the two main concerts the Tribhangi group will also conduct a workshop to select dancers during their stay in Colombo.

'Water' the Best Foreign Film at Hollywood

by Ranga Chandrarathne

'Water', an award winning film shot in Sri Lanka and produced by veteran Sri Lankan producer Chandran Rutnam has been nominated for the Best Foreign Film, by the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences at the 79th Academy Awards.

After 'Bridge on the River Kwai' which was shot in Kithulgala, Kandy and Mahara won the Academy Award for the Best Picture and in seven other categories including Best Actor and Best Director, a film produced in Sri Lanka earned the prestigious award at Hollywood.

'Water' directed by Deepa Mehta had been nominated as the Best Foreign Film category. Mr. Chandran Rutnam and his company, Film Location Services (Pvt) Ltd., has been involved in the making of these films. Another film that was handled by Film Location Services, Malaysia titled 'Indochine' won the Best Foreign Film award.

The nomination of 'Water' will not only bring fame to the country but also marks Sri Lanka as a hot spot for film locations in the arena of film making , vindicating that international film makers can produce films in Sri Lanka efficiently and in a safe environment.

It also dispelled the long-held erroneous notion that it was not safe for tourists to visit Sri Lanka. It also discovered the Sri Lankan child prodigy 'Sarala' who played the main role in the film.

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'FAR AWAY' to be performed in Sri Lanka!

When first performed at the Royal Court in 2000, Caryl Churchill's play, Far Away" intrigued and unsettled audiences with its bold use of images and language ensuing an immediate critical and popular success. It was transferred to the West End and New York soon after. The British Council, with the consent of the playwright, has now arranged to bring this play to Sri Lanka.

Directed by William Scott Richards, this presentation is the culmination of 4 weeks of intense work-shopping. The workshops were designed not only to explore the richness of Churchill's text, but also to introduce various new approaches to acting. The Sri Lankan cast comprises veteran actors Delon Weerasinghe, Dr. Neluka Silva, Anushka Pereira and introduces Razia Esufally.

Churchill is considered one of England's most ground breaking and influential contemporary playwrights. "Far Away" is a smart, and witty play that takes the audience to a world where everything is at war, even the birds and gravity. Through sometimes seemingly absurd dialogue, the playwright masterfully alludes to the realities of war.

Here is a play which gives the audience much to think about long after the final curtain. William Scott Richards has trained actors at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) for over 12 years and directed for UK Regional Theatres, the West End and the BBC.

He teaches internationally and has worked as voice and text coach with The Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre, CandoCo and DV8 Physical Theatre. Richards previously worked in Sri Lanka in the 1980's and 1990's on theatre projects with actors and teachers.

'Far Away' will go on the boards at the Punchi Theatre in Borella on 6 and 7 February. Tickets priced at Rs.250/- and Rs. 100/- (balcony) go on sale at the British Council and at the Punchi Theatre from Thursday, 25 January 2007.

(R.C.)