The Colombo International Theatre Festival (CITF) will be held from August 25- 30 at the Elphinstone Theatre Colombo. The 2023 edition of CITF, aims to promote cultural values and other aspects of tourism in the country through theatre. Some of the plays that will be performed at the festival include "Two Dying Scenes, Lyric Dragonfly, Equal Feelings, The Tyre, Paradox and Don’t Revenge Us.”

The CITF initiated the only International Theatre Festival in Sri Lanka in 2012. It aims to create a bridge between Sri Lanka and the rest of the world in terms of theatre. The CITF 2023 Awards Ceremony will be held on a grand scale on the 30th. On the final day, international and local judges will select the winners. According to M. Safeer, Festival Director, this is one of the biggest opportunities for theatre activists around the world to come together and perform in Sri Lanka. The Colombo International Theatre Festival is an annual event hosted by Inter Act Art. Actors and actresses from India, Tunisia, Spain, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Poland and Romania will take part in the festival.

When asked about Prof. Walter Marasinghe Felicitation at the festival he said that he is the most veteran theatre practitioner and scholar living in the country adding that his knowledge and fluency in Pail, Sanskrit and Greek Theatre is exemplary. Through this festival, Sri Lankan theatre audiences will be able to witness and understand the standard, quality and latest trends in the universal theatre.

This is especially as only a handful of Sri Lankans get the opportunity to travel abroad to witness an international event which costs a lot of money and involves spending a lot of time. “Theatre, in its many forms, has always been a powerful medium to provoke thought and evoke emotions that touch the very core of our humanity. Through theatre, we can explore the richness of diverse cultures, challenge societal norms, and create a profound impact on the lives of individuals and communities.

The Colombo International Theatre Festival provides a unique platform to showcase the creativity, passion, and dedication of artistes. This year the festival will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on all of us. It is my firm belief that this gathering will foster meaningful collaborations and facilitate the exchange of ideas among artistes and art enthusiasts from various backgrounds. As we immerse ourselves in the world of theatre during this festival, let us also recognise the transformative power of art in our lives. May the performances we witness and the connections we make inspire us to reflect on our shared humanity and the importance of empathy, understanding, and tolerance.” Vidyanidhee Vanarase – India (Message) Executive Committee Member International Theatre Institute.

By Kshalini Nonis
Pix courtesy CITF