by Pramod de Silva
 “The story of the ballet is simple, but carries a very timely
message. It shows how an enemy should not discourage and weaken you, and
how a common enemy like a natural disaster makes everyone dependent on
each other. And finally it highlights the fact that you can even bring
yourself to help your worst enemy, which reflects the ideology of all
our main religions.”
That is an excerpt from the program notes of Kumbi Kathawa (Ant
Story), the last time it was staged. For those of you who could not
catch it the last time, it is on again on August 28 at 8.00 pm and 29,
30 at 5.30 pm and 8.00 pm at the Bishop’s College Auditorium.
Kumbi Kathawa is a production of the Chitrasena Kalayathanaya based
on a Russian children’s story. It is conceived by Anjalika, the daughter
of Vajira and Chitrasena, who also directs the production. Although one
would think that it is a children’s ballet, its message is for adults as
well. Most of the performers are children, but some ‘adult’ characters
are portrayed by older youth.
Kumbi Kathawa has a raft of insects including ants (of course),
butterflies, ladybirds, grasshoppers, fireflies and mosquitoes in
incredibly intricate, colorful attire that the audience can almost think
the insects are real.
 The theatergoers will see a riot of color with all the insects
buzzing about on stage. All the (quite incredible) dance steps are
naturally inspired by the movement of insects. Expect to see subtle
movements as well as fast action – there’s a memorable segment where the
insects try to save their community from a massive flood. The digitally
managed lights add another dimension to the action on stage.
Kumbi Kathawa is theater at its best. In a recent interview US
Director Sam Mendes was asked whether he was working with 3-D. His
answer: “I already do – it’s called theater”. Yes, Kumbi Kathawa is a
live, lively-rendered multi-dimensional stage play that has a sound
message for the society without really any words being uttered. It’s all
in the absorbing music and the rhythmic dances.Kumbi Kathawa is another
winner from the Kalayathanaya, which has given theatergoers here some
quality productions. It debunks the myth that productions with children
and for children are technically inferior to adult dramas.
The acting is superb, with the children coping well not only with
difficult dance movements but also with complex facial expressions. A
lot of effort has gone into every aspect of the production from
choreography to costumes. The drama lasts just over an hour, well within
the attention span of children. In this case, the action on stage is so
well crafted with a story to match, the kids would not mind even a
longer version. This is one drama that should be seen beyond our shores. |
