Whyteleafe’s stars shine at ‘Pini Poda Wessak’

Credits of ‘Pini Poda Wessak - Small Wonders on Stage’:

Direction and Script : Nalaka Swarnathilake
Production Coordinator : Inoka Sumanasekera
Choreography : Harshika Rathnayaka,
Dinithi Doranagoda, Sakuni Ranatunga,
Navoda Gajaweera,
Pabhasara Wijesooriya

Music Composing
(Drama Songs) : Nuwan Vithanage
Music Arrangement : Chinthaka Jayakody
Set Designing : Susantha Art Works
Lighting : Ranga Samarakoon
Costumes : Tharanga Anthony, Shama De Alwis, Udeshika Ranatunga, Charmaine Ratnayake
Make-up : Banu Prasanna
Graphic Designer : Kanchana Ranga
Audio Mixing : Aruna Manathunga
Video Production : R.S. Video, Kalubowila
Compeer : Arundathi Koliyabandara
Presented by : Whyteleafe Performing Arts Academy

A special event showcasing the talents of young children was held recently at the Bishop's College Auditorium titled as ‘Pini Poda Wessak - Small Wonders on Stage.’ It was directed and produced by award winning dramatist Nalaka Swarnathilake. This was a presentation of the Whyteleafe Performing Arts Academy which was founded by Swarnathilake to further the skills and talents of young students.

This was the inaugural show presented by the Whyteleafe Academy, and over 80 children participated in the event.

It consisted of 15 items, including songs in numerous languages (such as Sinhala, English, Tamil, Hindi and Japanese) and dancing styles stemming from several cultural backgrounds. In addition to songs, dances and dramas, there were other creative team performances as well.

The show was held in the presence of many distinguished guests including Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka, Chairperson, University Grants Comission, Prof.Kshanika Hirimburegama, Dr.Hirimburegama, Prof.Kusuma Karunarathne, Sanath Gunathilake, Newton Gunaratne, Former Inspector General of Police, Indra De Silva and Chairman, State Mortgage and Investment Bank, Jagath Wellawatte.

The skills and talents presented by the students of Whyteleafe was highly praised by the guests in attendance. Commenting on the event, Prof.Kusuma Karunarathne said “I have witnessed many children's shows, but have never seen such a wonderful dances and songs, that are so suitable for children and in harmony with their natural rhythm. I am thankful to Whyteleafe Academy for bringing our younger generation to new heights.”

Explaining how this academy came into being, its founder Swarnathilake explains, “The Whyteleaf Performing Arts Academy was the first institute in Sri Lanka that was started with the intent of using drama, dancing, singing and other aspects of the performing arts to develop the personality of the children.

“Its main objective was to create a better citizen for the future rather than just an artist. Thus, this show was organised to provide the children an opportunity to exercise their leadership and organisational skills as well as giving them a national stage to showcase their talents.”