Apeksha for the suffering soul
Rosie Fernando
DANCE: People from all walks of life gathered at the Auditorium of
Colombo's Bishop's College; some only knew it was a concert of sorts
called 'Apeksha'.
Among the capacity crowd of 700 plus people were VIPs, invitees,
parents and friends of the 200 young people of the cast.
Apeksha or promise in English turned out to be an enlivening
experience for a people in a land torn apart by suffering and strife.
A kind of hush descended as the house; lights were switched off & the
'bera shubdai,' (Eastern percussion) heralded the beginning of Apeksha.
The dance form was beautifully choreographed with a carefully chosen
arrangement of song. To the sound of distant drums, a group of young
dancers, some wearing cut outs of the map of Sri Lanka and some with
banners, offered the nation hope and peace.
Unaccustomed to the bright lights, having 'no mummy's kisses and no
daddy's smile,' the pathos of orphaned children from the North and East
raising their tremulous voices in song could not have failed to touch
the most hardened heart.
The rich colourful choice of costume and careful consideration given
to different cultural dress patterns must most definitely be commended.
As one item followed the other in quick succession, it was evident that
this was no ordinary evening of entertainment. It was an evening that
promised beauty for brokenness; hope for despair; light to the one
groping in darkness; and rest for the suffering soul.
The purpose of Apeksha is to restore a nation torn apart by the
ravages of a prolonged and senseless war. The promise has and will stand
the test of time if one were to grasp the deep truth underlying this
presentation.
The idea born in mid July this year, gathered momentum in the days
that followed and Apeksha was put together in just one month! It was the
first 'big' production launched by the 'Concerned Professionals Forum'
and was indeed "Promising!"
All those who gave their talent to this production felt blessed to be
a part of it. And in case you missed it this time, you might be just
lucky to get there in December as plans get underway for another
presentation.
The two hour presentation of music, the lyrics therein, the mime and
the consequential dance routines did make the audience think and believe
peace is possible if only we would seek divine intervention and pray as
one people.
'Pity the nation divided into fragments, each fragment deeming itself
a nation' - Gibran
|
