Preserving roots

Amalshan GUNERATHNE

With the hope of preserving the roots of Sri Lankan art, the senior artiste Nissanka Diddeniya along with other veterans in the local arts-field will launch an aesthetic musical and theater campaign which showcases the richness of local ‘Nuurthi and theater art’. The campaign titled ‘Nupura Ranga Abignana Mangalya’ will feature several special segments that are meant to showcase the richness of local Nuurthi, nadagam and theater arts. The event is set to get underway on this Friday 6.30 pm at Bishop’s College Auditorium.

Rhythmical and musical

The event features a documentary drama, titled ‘Suranga Puwatha’ which explores the nature of nuurthi and nadagam music in a very rhythmic and musical manner. The veterans in local arts scene, Wijeyrathne Warakagoda, Jayalath Manorathne and Rodney Waranakula are set to perform for the drama. The choreography for the drama is done by Ravibandu Vidyapathi while music is composed by senior lecturer Mahanama Wickramasinghe from visual and performing arts. The event also features launch of two musical CDs, titled ‘Suranga Gee 1’ and ‘Suranga Gee 2’. The two albums were composed by Diddeniya after doing extensive research on ‘Nuurthi, nadagam and ‘old theater songs’.

With the help of senior musicians

Dr. Rohana Weerasinghe, Thissa Siri Perera, Ranjith Balasuriya and Indrajith Mirihana, the team has rejuvenated the dying art by fuelling those songs with new sound mixing. Thirty two songs altogether are featured in two albums. While Nissanka Diddeniya himself is giving voice to most songs, the album also features voices of Victor Rathanyaka, Jayalath Manorathne, Rodhny Waranakula, Wijeyrathna Warakagoda, Priyanwada Madubashini, Sriya Kariyavasam, etc.

Priceless experience

The acumen and experiences he gained while working alongside Ediriweera Sarathchandra and the experience of acting in Sinhabahu drama for twenty six years during 1970-1996 have been a guiding influence for Diddeniya.

From that experience and the research data that he gathered he has also written a book titled “Purathana Nadagamey Adyathana Swarupaya”. The book explores the local nadagam tradition with great in-depth detail and will also be launched during the event. The launching of Nissanka Diddeniya’s official website is also set to happen during the event.

Emphasizing the importance of organizing such an event, Diddeniya noted, “young people are shying away from our roots. The modern pop-culture has ruined their aesthetic tastes to a certain extent. Therefore it is important to make them understand the value of our roots by organizing such events.”

Arts and Cultural Affairs minister T.B Ekanayaka is expected to grace the occasion as the chief guest. The Norwegian Ambassador Hilde Haraldstab is expected participate to the event as the guest of honour.