Deyaka Kandulu

A play on tsunami disaster

"Deyaka Kandulu" (Tears of a community) is the latest artistic creation of the well-known dramatist, Desha Kala Keerthie, Kala Bhooshana, Irangani Kalutanthri, who is in Sri Lanka on a short holiday.

Mrs. Kalutanthri is an Arts Graduate of the University of Peradeniya, a teacher for a few decades, and holds a post graduate course in Drama. She has a few outstanding plays to her credit, such as Kuvanna, Le Nayo, Sapaya Laddo, Kusa Natakaya, and Dutugemunu which she claims is her most outstanding and successful of her productions, laying emphasis on the importance of national unity and harmony, among the Sinhalese.

At a time when we are all rethinking, literature and history, she clearly occupies a really pivotal place. Dutugemunu was held with a strong purpose, to raise an increased awareness among everybody, to help society make conscious decisions at the hour of need.

All her historical themes take us on a nostalgic journey to the past and give a glimpse of our proud heritage. History is ever present around her and all in all, her history oriented programs, deserve mention, with appreciation. She is also deeply rooted in Sri Lanka's culture and traditions, which gives her profound inspiration, to undertake, one after another, her varied cultural projects.

"Culture is the wealth of a nation. Our rich culture was not imported from other countries. Globalization, helps the spread of ideas, images, which sometimes, enrich other culture, but at times, we see such onslaughts of foreign culture, putting cultural diversity at risk.

At present, it is apparently clear, the flow of culture is unbalanced, and causes cultural insecurity, which is a threat to our indigenous and national culture, Kalutanthri told the Arts cope.

"Deyaka Kandulu" is a play based on the current state of affairs in the country in connection with the catastrophe on 26th Dec. caused by the marauding waves of the sea, combined with the well-known story of the young Vihara Maha Devi and King Kelanitissa and the resurrection of five great, kings of ancient Sri Lanka.

She always tries to instil a sense of nationalism in the young minds, to love their mother country, and contribute the best to the country. She has a genuine concern for the younger generation, and the less fortunate ones.

She is tremendously committed to youth activity and the work she does in this sphere, is tremendous, but unknown. She can proudly claim her sincerity in this crusade, in promoting youth activity. She has a wealth of experience in this field, and has made a niche for herself in the cultural sphere. "Deyaka Kandulu" will go on the boards at the John De Silva Theatre, Colombo on June 5.

The cast includes Paduma Wimalasuriya, Parami Purmika Wanninayake, Erandi Kaushalya Winninayake, Asanga Perera, Bhagya Sampath Karunaratne, Sarath Jayasekara, Ratnapala Rajamantri and Kithsiri, music is directed by Nalin Lokuhetti and make-up is by Shalini Attanayake.

..................................

<< Artscope Main Page