|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Wednesday, 17 March 2004 |
 |
|
 |
Artscope | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Talented trio's maiden show A unique celebration of traditional Sri Lankan dance and drum rhythms titled "Heli Rangara' featuring Susantha, Prasantha and Mohan will take place at the Bishop's College Auditorium, Colombo on March 20 at 7.00 p.m. 'Heli Rangara' is presented by Lak Uruma Art Foundation. Lovers of Sri Lanka's rich heritage of dance and drumming will be treated to a unique celebration of traditional Sri Lankan dance and drum rhythms in "Heli Rangara", a concert featuring three of the finest young exponents in the field. "Heli Rangara" will showcase Mohan Sudusinghe, an outstanding professional dancer, accompanied by Susantha and Prasantha Rupathilake, two exciting and highly skilled young drummers. This will be the talented trio's first performance together, and the audience is assured of top draw entertainment and a rare treat of traditional drumming and dancing which will be a memorable experience they will always cherish.
The show will be an existing presentation of a profusion of the pulsating sounds of our indigenous percussion, dominated by the drums, enriching the beauty and grace of our traditional dances, set amid a riot of colourful costumes and lighting. The entire performance will be choreographed, designed and planned by Susantha, Prasantha and Mohan whose extensive local and overseas experience will ensure a truly professional presentation of a slick, fast moving non-stop revue of drumming and dancing which will climax in a glorious crescendo that will have the audience spellbound. Mohan grew up with a passion for dancing. He is conversant with traditional as well as contemporary forms of oriental and Western dances. He has dedicated his life to dancing and built up a name for himself as a professional dancer and a choreographer for over 15 years. Mohan operates in his own gymnasium and dance studio - "Heavenly Bodies". A product of D.S. Senanayake Vidyalaya, Mohan is a brilliant dancer in his own right, excelling as a professional performing artiste, and a true patriot, with an abiding interest in the promotion of traditional dances. He realised his life's ambition when he created the Lak Uruma Art Foundation, which is dedicated to preserving our indigenous dances and cultural heritage. Influence Mohan has benefited immensely from the guidance and influence of some of Sri Lanka's leading exponents of different types of dancing such as S. Welabadage, Herath Banda, Herbert Dayaseela, K.S. Fernando, Nandana Balasuriya, Khema de Costa, Toni Fernandez and Niloufer Peiris. He also has built up a name as a successful teacher of dancing and aerobics. He teaches dancing and physical education at the British School in Colombo, and works as a physical trainer and instructor in his own gymnasium. Mohan's talents cross several borders; his love for painting blossomed with his close association of Mrs. Ouida Keuneman who inculcated in him a love for all types of art. As with all his other interests, he follows this with an ardent passion. As a performer, Mohan has danced in many recitals and performances in Sri Lanka and abroad. To name a few, "Khema and Mohan in Dance", "Uruma Ranga", "Heritage in Dance" and "Shades of Sri Lanka". To Mohan, future is all dances. Whether in the gymnasium or on stage, dancing is his passion. He is hoping to continue to pass this love for dance on to those whom he trains. The audience at "Heli Rangara" will enjoy another professional performance from this talented and devoted artiste, Mohan Sudusinghe. The other two star performers on the show will be the exceptionally talented and skilful duo of drummers and dancers, the Rupathilake brothers, Susantha and Prasantha. Theirs will be a major contribution as they provide drum accompaniment to Mohan and the other troupe of dancers. Their combined skills will provide a performance of the finest cultural entertainment seen in this country and an unforgettable experience for the audience. Repertoire Susantha and Prasantha have a proud record, having excelled as drummers and dancers ever since they were four year old toddlers, both winning the first prize in the all island 'Pre-school' drumming and dancing contest at that early age. They have never looked back since, dedicating their lives to drumming and dancing and conscientiously developing their talents and skills and have today established themselves as two of the finest drummers and dancers in the country. Their father has been their pillar of strength. They have specialised in both upcountry and low country drumming, including all forms of ceremonial and ritual drumming, and have wide and varied repertoire. Both brothers have performed as drummers and dancers under some of Sri Lanka's leading exponents in dancing such as Chitrasena and Vajira, Kulasiri Budawatta, Piyasara Shilpadipathi, Sandoris Jayantha and Ravibandu Vidyapathi. Susantha has served in the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and Rupavahini Corporation as a drummer and a dancer while Prasantha has served as a performing artiste in the International Peace Foundation. Both brothers have worked as members of the State Dance Ensemble and have a wealth of experience performing overseas. They have represented Sri Lanka in France, Germany, Japan, United Kingdom, Singapore, China, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Belgium, Hong Kong, the Middle East, Switzerland and Norway. Both brothers also impart their knowledge unselfishly. They conduct classes in Pannipitiya and at the Tower Hall to introduce young people to the traditional dances and drum rhythms of Sri Lanka. Susantha, who holds a degree in the performing arts, has worked as a visiting lecturer at Sri Palee, Horana, and Prasantha has functioned as a visiting instructor in traditional Sri Lankan drumming at in Canada under the guidance of Mr. Piyasara Shilpadipathi. They are also involved with presentation and demonstration of our traditional dances to foreigners. Their genuine love and dedication to their chosen vocation combined with their outstanding ability as performing artistes make them worth going a long way to see. **** Back **** |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
