All set for nATFEST 2015
An evening of contemporary dance will set the Wendt ablaze as nATFEST officially open its curtains for public viewing. nATFEST is Sri Lanka’s first ever international contemporary dance festival curated by Kapila Palihawadana who is the founder and curator of nATANDA Dance theatre of Sri Lanka. The objective of this festival is to bring together a diverse set of artistes together for the first time in Sri Lanka. It also aims to give a boost to tourism, highlight dance and entertainment together with rich traditions in the art and history which is unique to Sri Lanka.
As things are drawing closer to the big day, the Daily Mirror Life sat down to have a chat with Kapila himself and Lawrence Sackris, who has come down all the way from Malaysia to showcase his talents at this international platform.
Lawrence Sackris
Give us a brief introduction about you.
Lawrence : I started to master the art of Odissi 15 years back under the tutelage of Ramli Ibrahim. Thereafter I travelled to Orissa and got involved in some vigorous training. Thereafter I travelled to Australia and Orissa and learnt Odissi with Dr. Chandrabhanu, Guru Gajendra Panda and Guru Durga Charan Ranbir. I have performed in several Odissi productions in Malaysia as well as in India and Singapore.
Can you elaborate more on this dance style?
Lawrence : It originated from Orissa and it is one of the most amazing classical Indian dance forms. It is particularly distinguished from other classical Indian dance forms by the importance it places upon the Tribhangi, literally known as the three parts break which comprises of the independent movement of head, chest and pelvis and upon the basic square stance known as Chauka that symbolises Lord Jagannath. This dance is characterised by various Bhangas which we call stances and involves stamping the foot and striking various postures as seen in Indian sculptures.
Is it the first time that you are in Sri Lanka?
Lawrence : Yes. I should say that I am having an amazing time here. When I got the invitation to perform at nATFEST I informed Kapila that I will be coming early because I need to get familiarized with the Sri Lankan culture. I love the food and places to travel here.
What comments do you have about the upcoming show?
Lawrence : I think it is an amazing project put forth by Kapila and his dynamic team. It is a platform where the participants will not only perform but will be able to get some international exposure. I think it will be a good experience for the Sri Lankan people because festivals of this nature will allow them to admire the arts in a different perspective.
Kapila Palihawadana
How are things going on with the organizing so far?
Kapila : All is well and I feel quite excited about it. The opening piece is titled ‘Butterfly’ which will be done by the students of the nATANDA Dance Theatre. Some highlights of the festival are that there will be workshops conducted from November 15 – 18 by the troupes from USA, UK, Korea, Malaysia, India and Lebanon respectively. There are a total of 120 local and international artistes who would be performing. I initially thought there will be just like 10 of them but now we have an entire bunch of talented artistes. I am quite excited because nATFEST will be going down in history as the first ever international contemporary dance festival in Sri Lanka. The ‘Butterfly’ dance will give out a message of reconciliation.
What plans lie ahead?
Kapila : nATANDA Dance Theatre has been in existence for 13 years and we have always given prominence to upcoming artistes. I should really appreciate the effort put forth by a team of just 15 people in pulling up this event. Even the workshops are a knowledge-sharing platform between the countries; therefore we teach them what we know and they teach us what they know. I wish I will be able to continue this initiative, fingers crossed. On a concluding remark I would like to request all of you to come and watch this festival since it is worth having a look.
What : nATFEST 2015
When : November 14 – 18
Where : Performances at Lionel Wendt; Workshops at Nelung Arts Centre
Tickets priced at Rs.500 and will be available at the Lionel Wendt.
By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe
Photographs by Kushan Pathiraja
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