Restaging of Kumbi Kathawa (Ant Story) by the Chitrasena School of Dance
The Chitrasena School of Dance is restaging its acclaimed Children’s ballet, Kumbi Kathawa (Ant Story), from October 21st – 24th 2015 at the Bishop’s College Auditorium from 7.15pm – 8.15pm.
Kumbi Kathawa tells the story of an ant colony that faces immense hardship as they are chased away by an evil force (a mosquito). The main ant family perseveres and rebuilds their home, and it becomes a place of joy where many different insects gather to celebrate. When all the insects are threatened by a natural disaster (a flood), the ants stand strong and rescue all those who are struggling, including their former enemy the mosquito.
Conceived and choreographed by Anjalika Melvani (daughter of Gurus Chitrasena and Vajira) and directed by Heshma Wignaraja (grand-daughter of Gurus Chitrasena and Vajira), the ballet is based on the Russian children’s story “The Brave Ant” by Tatiana Makarova.
When this dance drama first premiered in 2007 and restaged in 2009, audiences were captivated by the simple yet powerful story that was conveyed through incredible dance and choreography, costumes, music and lighting. The ballet had been honed to perfection over a period of five years. For this restaging, further enhancements have been made to the choreography, costumes and lighting. In recognition of the quality and depth of this production, Kumbi Kathawa has now been included in the G.C.E Ordinary Level syllabus by the Ministry of Education.
Having invented the medium of Sinhala Ballet (where dance was used for the first time to convey a story), Chitrasena, Vajira, and their students have created many acclaimed performances that are now part of our cultural heritage. Adult ballets such as Karadiya, Kinkini Kolama, and Nala Damayanthi, and children’s ballets such as Hapana and Ran Kikili are all masterpieces from the Chitrasena School of Dance. Kumbi Kathawa follows in this great tradition.
The restaging of Kumbi Kathawa in October provides an opportunity for those who missed it the previous times, and those who want to see it again, to enjoy this wonderful production. And as children and adults get drawn in by the magic that is Kumbi Kathawa, they may also absorb some important life lessons that are very relevant as we come together to rebuild as a nation.
Tickets are priced at Rs. 2500, Rs. 2000, Rs.1500, Rs.1000, Rs.750 and Rs. 500 (balcony).
Tickets can be purchased from the Chitrasena Kalayathanaya, 590 Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 5 (next to Lanka Hospitals) and through ticketslk.com from 28 September 2015 onwards.
Photographs courtesy Luxmanan Nadaraja
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