Lanka's first int'l theatre festival

Theatre is no fresh concept to the Sri Lankans, a country that had houses many ancient drama forms such as 'nadagam'. Even evolving into more advanced forms, teledrama and cinema, Sri Lankans still seem fond of theatre. The theatre is slowly outsmarting its contemporaries.

Theatre stands alone, since it is the most alive medium - that's the opinion of the seasoned artistes.

Sri Lanka's only international theatre festival, Colombo International Theatre Festival, aims at going beyond language barriers in its second year. The festival will begin on March 27, to coincide with World Theatre Day. "We have an issue taking a Sinhala play to north and vice versa.

So initially we are employing two techniques: either non verbal or minimal dialogues." Festival Director M Safeer commented. The festival has received 39 applications from seven countries which will be screening nine stage plays. The festival's objective is to enhance the centralized knowledge of the Sri Lankan youth to a more open status thereby transforming the Sri Lankan theatre for betterment.

The festival has three major functions: performing stage plays, workshops and felicitating the veterans. The workshops are held by globally reputed scholars who will participate in performances and discussions. The participating countries are India, Austria, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Nepal and Sri Lanka.

The ambassadors and high commissioners of the participating countries will be the chief guest on the respective day. A veteran in the drama field will also be felicitated on each day.

They will be M D Ranjith Silva, D K Artigala, Priyankara Rathnayaka, Saman Gamini, Rev Joshua, Amith Rabbadagala, Ruwanthi de Chikera, Tracy Helsinger, Mangala Senanayaka. Performances of four plays selected for 'Kavitha' programme will also be included in this year's festival from Eastern University, Kelaniya University, Peradeniya University and Horana Sripalee Mandapaya.