Meet the new choreographers for Narthana 2023 joining Dilini Seneviratne in bringing different stories to life through dance!
Sathyangi Fernando
Act: Vihara Maha Devi
“A message from the choreographer, Sathyangi Fernando – The story of Vihara Maha Devi is an ancient Sri Lankan historical tale which will be played out on stage through traditional Kanydan and lyrical dance forms along with drama. The narration you are about to hear will explain the story.
This act has been a labour of love for me and I am proud to stand (or rather, dance!) alongside the talented and committed performers you will see on stage. I have loved seeing my vision being brought to life and am very excited to share this act with you. I hope you all enjoy it!”
Instructor: Reunion
Hiruni Ranasinghe
Act: A Dancer’s Journey
Sasangee Dissanayake
Act: Eclipse
Nisali Sisirakumara
Act: Emotions
“When most people think of dance, they focus mostly on the physical aspects such as discipline, stamina, coordination, flexibility, strength, balance and so on. Whilst those are important in training, a key element that helps us stay focused throughout is emotions.
This act aims to show the different emotions a person goes through when they are introduced to dance, from the beginning to a performance.”
Samathi Rajakaruna
Act: Kamatha Pura
Arthi Sugathar:
Act: Rasathy
“Rasathy is a Gaana act representing the traditional Tamil dance form. Starting as a music genre, Gaana is used to express the philosophy of life and death in the slums and the struggles in villages. The genre later broadened to express themes of social issues, friendship and love. It is founded on simple tunes and soulful lyrics. Rasathy takes the raw element of gaana music to follow a love story felt by many in the village.
Rasathy means darling or daughter of a King and this act brings out the princess, of every woman in the village. It highlights the beauty, joy and sheer confidence a woman radiates on a day to day life. Entranced by the beauty and confidence of our Rasathy, her lover follows. Her naturally sun-kissed dark skin is adored and the man falls for the subtle way she moves and carries herself. He then grows in confidence and attempts to gain her attention by selling her a juicy mango. The performance ends in the village all coming together and dancing and celebrating their love.”
Santhoshi Ekanayake
Act: Devi
“She descended from Above gracefully towards the Earth. The forest is her playground. The animals are her friends. She dances to the rhythm of the thunder and lightning. She is with Nature. She is Devi.
With a fusion of Lyrical, Kandyan and a surprise dance style, introduces Devi: an appreciation of the Natural beauty of the world. The Choreographer, Santhoshi Ekanayake would like to dedicate this act to Nimal Ekanayake and everyone who has contributed and supported the act.
Dilini Seneviratne
Acts: Generations, Apsara, Wahi Bidu, Possessed, Deepavali, Hogwarts, Thoughts, Lights Camera Action, Mistake Kandyan, Battle