'Where only physical resources are nourished:

'Quality of human culture questionable in any country' - Prof Athugala

Disna Mudalige

The quality of human culture is questionable in any country where only physical resources are nourished neglecting art and culture, said Government Information Department's Director General Prof Ariyarathna Athugala.

Addressing a press conference at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute yesterday on the staging of "Mahasamayama" a grand opera directed and produced by him at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda RajapaksaTheatre, he said the need to pay more attention to art forms was felt in contemporary society more than ever. He observed that the human kind was being overpowered by technology.

A scene from the Opera

He said that the opera "Mahasamayama" had been created with thorough investigations and experimentation in numerous aspects. He said it was a collective effort by a group of senior artistes in Sri Lanka. He said that the opera catered to the common goals to achieve the wellbeing of society.

He observed that Prof Ediriweera Sarachchandra took the Sri Lankan theatre drama to a crucial landmark, but his successors were unable to take forward his creative ideas. "Today theatre drama is popular. Many young people have entered this field. At this backdrop, my endeavour is to explore new perspectives in this field in modern society. The need for a higher aesthetic taste is felt more than ever in the country," he remarked.

Senior artiste Jackson Anthony observed that "Mahasamayama" was not another trend, but an attempt to give rise to a new art culture. He said this creative production should be properly studied and reviewed.

He said a wide public discussion should be facilitated about it, adding that it should be made to draw closer to the people. He observed that the Nelum Pokuna Theatre was a resource to the country, where an opera could be staged maintaining international standards.

The "Mahasamayama" grand opera which was initially to be staged on January 30, with the participation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, was to be staged once again on May 19 and 20. A public show would be held at 6.00 pm on May 19, where a school show would be held at 10. 30 am on May 20. Prof Athugala said selected schools have been provided with free entrance for the school show.

He said the opera was staged as a social responsibility enduring heavy financial burdens.

Senior Artistes Buddadasa Galappatti, Samantha Perera, Sadun Wijesiri, Madani Malwatte, Kumara Thirimadura and Janaka Ranasinghe also spoke.