June Dangamalla saha Amuthu Iskole June French Spring 2013 22 at Punchi theatre 18 Nalaka Swarnathilake’s state award in Colombo winning play, ‘Dangamalla saha 2012 saw the launching of the first French Spring in Amuthu Iskole’ will be staged on Sri Lanka, a multidisciplinary festival bringing Sri Lan- Saturday (June 22) at 3.30 pm and kan and French artists together on a single stage. The 6.30 pm at the Namel Malini Punchi success of this first festival, which attracted more than theatre, Borella. 6,500 spectators and participants in workshops, demon- This play which is adored by both strated the Sri Lankan and international public’s enthu- children and elders, is an adaptation siasm for the wide range of cultural events presented by from the book ‘The naughtiest girl in the Alliance Française de Kotte in Colombo, the French the school,’written by the famous Embassy and a large number of partners. children’s writer Enid Blyton. The SARASHI SAMARASINGHE This year, the second French Spring Festival will take book was very much popular among place from June 18 till July 14 in Colombo and in sev- the globe and was translated in to 40 This week’s ‘Cultural Diary’ brings you details about several other eral other cities with the special collaboration of languages whilst the Sinhalese trans- fascinating events happening in the city. Take your pick of stage BMICH, Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel and the support of lation was done by Ganga Niroshani Suduwelikanda. plays, exhibitions or dance performance and add colour to your many other prestigious sponsors. The play consists of 20 child artists.The main character is performed by Nelissa Algama routine life. You can make merry and enjoy the adventures or sit Starting with a sensational singing competition, the while Kusum Renu, Ramani Siriwardena, Nilm- back, relax and enjoy a movie of your choice. Make a little space to festival will go on with more music on the Music Day’s ini Sigera, Malkanthi Jayasinghe and Sanjeewa kick into high gear amid the busy work schedules to enjoy the (June 21) open stage concert hosting Sri Lankan bands Upendra are some artists that would perform in exciting events happening at venues around the city. If there is an such as Julius beat boxing, Music Matters, Paranoid the play. event you would like others to know, drop an email to eventcalen- Earthling, Stigmata, Peshala Peshkar - Academy of Music composition by Nuwan Vithanage, [email protected] (Please be mindful to send only the essential Performing Arts and the renowned French gypsy jazz dancing by Harshika Rathnayake, make up by details). Have a pleasant week. ensemble Caravan Quartet. Two exhibitions are also Bhanu Prasanna, lighting by Ranga Samara- scheduled; one, artistic, at the Cinnamon Lakeside by koon and stage management by Asoka Weerat- Seneka Abeyratne exhibiting photos to create a parallel hunga. between Southern France and Sri Lanka, the other at All seats are box planned and tickets will be BMICH, with a scientific purpose, about water in our available only at the Namel Malini Punchi thea- June planet. French street art graffiti artist Da Cruz will also tre. Rookada Rajje brighten this year’s edition by working hand in hand with a Sri Lankan fashion designer on an exceptional 21 performance. Not forgetting film-lovers, a French Film to be staged Festival is also due for three days at BMICH. June Last but not least, to add more spice to this year’s Rathnavali Festival, the French Executive Chef of the Cinnamon at S de S Jayasinghe theatre Lakeside, Martin Becquart, will do wonders to tickle 19 your taste buds during two special French Gastronomy to be staged ‘Rookada Rajje’ scripted by D Kumarage tume jewellery designed by Chamara weeks in July. From music, dance, street art, fashion and produced by Priyantha Ranjan will Anudath Rajapakshe, stage lighting by shows, film screenings, visual arts exhibitions, gas- ‘Rathnavali,’ a Sanskrit drama of Sri Harshade- be staged on June 21 at 2.30 pm and 6.30 Wasantha Kumara (Wasantha lights), tronomy and conferences on sustainable development va directed by Lalitha Sarachchandra will be pm at the S de S Jayasinghe theatre in Sujeewa Wijesinghe and Sathyapriya ... French Spring will indeed be compelling. stgaed on June 19 at 8 am Dehiwala. Wijesinghe. Do not forget. Admission is free for all events! and 11 am at the Town The cast includes Vijaya Nandasiri, Choreography by Lal Thilakarathne More information and the programme will be availa- hall in Kurunegala. The Rodney Warnakula, Priyantha Senevi- and satge decoration by Rohana Hewav- ble on www.alliancefrkotte.lk & www.ambafrance- drama is included in the G C E (A/L) Sinhala, Aesthetic and also rathne, Sarath Chandrasiri, Gamini itharana.Stage management by Priyan- lk.org in the external degree syllabus. Ambalangoda, Ferni Roshani, Kumara tha Ranjan. ‘Rookada Rajje’ will be Performing and singing is done by Sanath Wimalasiri, Liyanage, Indika Jayasinghe and Tharan- presented by House of Drama while Janaka Munasinghe, Rajitha Hewathanthrige, Nihari ga Bandara. The chief organiser Wickramarachchi, Shirani de Costa, Tharanga Kumari, music will be by and production Lakshani Amarathunga, Ganga Paranavithana, Suran- Sarath Kulanga. management is gi Kosala, Vindya Wimalachandra, Upamali Ranat- Make up by done by Priyan- hunge, Anushika Madhumali, Jagath Kumara Jayasin- Kumara Galahiti- tha Ranjan. ghearachchi, Lakmali Chaminda Fernando, Upul yawa, costume For inquiries Mahanama including many other prominent figures. designing by please contact Pri- Choreography is by Upul Mahanama, lighting by Kamal Kanthi yantha Ranjan on Upali Weerasinghe and stage management by Dhana- Bogoda and Dhan- 071 4822890 or pala Bogoda. apala Bogoda, Cos- 077 6240033. ‘Rathnavali,’ is chief organised by Priyantha Ran- jan. For inquiries please contact Priyantha Ranjan on 071 4822890 or 077 6240033. June Kalani Palama to be staged June OTSC presents Marians 19 at Piliyandala MMV theatre 22 at Berjaya Hotel Old Thomians’ Swimming Club (OTSC) pre- Nanda to perform in Canada and in UK ‘Kalani Palama,’ directed by R R Samarakoon and produced by Priyantha sents Mega Musical Event of the year eighth in Renowned songstress Nanda Malini will perform in Ranjan will be staged on June 19 at 2.30 pm and 6.30 pm at the Piliyandala the series, this time with Marians with Nalin unplugged with June Canada at Toronto on June 22 and Montreal on June MMV theatre. Hitz of 60’s and 70’s in Sing-Along Style on Saturday (June 23. The team consists Rohana Weerasinghe as the The cast includes Ramya Wanigasekera, Sanjeewa Upendra, Prasannajith 22) at the Berjaya Hotel, Mount Lavinia from 7.30 pm to 11 music director along with Suresh Maliyadda, Mahen- Abeysooriya, Geetha Kanthi Jayakody, Thilak Kumara Rathnayake, Prasad pm. “Limited tickets are reasonably priced for members, 22 dra Pasquale and Dhananjaya Somasiri to provide Sooriyaarachchi, Niluka Rekhani, Kamal Jayakody, Tharanga Bandara, Samson their families and guests inside the main ballroom, table of music for her songs.Voice of Lanka FM’s Ranjith Gomas, R M Abeynayake, Samantha Kumara Gamage, Dimuthu Chinthaka 10 each, which is now already sold out.Only limited number Wickramasinghe in Toronto had organised the con- along with Madhani Malwatta and Anusha Dissanayake. of tickets are available at the pool side, table of 10 certs. Choreography by Wasantha Wittachchi, each,” said the Social Sec- retary of the OTSC Tusita Malini will be performing her ‘Gee Ama’ concert in Kumara Galahitiyawa and Upul Mahanama, de Alwis (072 2376502) who is the main organis- UK’s Logan hall on June 30. Victor Ratnayake too will stage management by Priyantha Ranjan and er of the event. be joining her in staging this concert. This will be a assisted by Anushka Vithanage and Chandi- This will be the first time treat for music enthusiasts as the duo will be holding ma Samarasinghe. Prompting done by Nilan- Marians performing at this this concert together after a considerable span. ka Sandamali. Lighting by Wasantha hotel. There will be no Corkage Suresh Maliyadda will be directing the music at Kumara, stage decorations by Lionel Ben- and food will be reasonably ‘Gee Ama.’Three more musicians: violinist Rukshan tharayan and stage equipments by Rohana priced. Also there will be an Gunewardena, flutist Priyantha Dasanayake and tabla Hewavitharana. entrance ticket draw. player Nihal Kalubovila will be joining their team. Art Lanka organisation has put the ‘Kalani Palama’ is presented by House of After show party will be held at concert together. Prasad Orlando is the chief organiser of the event together with Art Drama while production management and the OTSC premises with DJ Lanka founder members Priyavijaya Fonseka and Prema Ganegoda. Seven more musi- chief organising done by Priyantha Ranjan. music (which is next door to the cians living in UK will be joining the group to provide music for the show. For inquiries please contact Priyantha hotel) by ‘Cool jays.’ Ranjan on 071 4822890 or 077 6240033. June June Arts & Crafts Exhibition Abhiyogayaka Iranama 18 at Lionel Wendt 18 to be launched S Chandrasiri Dassanayake’s latest book titled ‘Abhiyogayaka Iranama’ will be launched The Colombo Centre for Spe- the Chief Guest will be renowned at the Dayawansa Jayakody bookshop, Colombo 10 on June 18 at 10am. cial Education will showcase an Sri Lankan author and illustrator ‘Abhiyogayaka Iranama’ is the authentic Sinhala translation of Brian Fox’s ‘The Wild Arts & Crafts Exhibition at the of many popular children’s sto- Bunch.’ Dassanayake is the author of several other books such as ‘Allan saha Ice Lionel Wendt Art Gallery on June ries, Sybil Wettasinghe. Devivaru,’’Atheethayata Giya Allan,’’Manthrakariyage Hisa,’’Asiki Gothrikayinge Ran 18. Those visiting the exhibition Pilimay,’’Arunodaye Rejina,’’Cleopatra,’’Meedume Minissu,’’Allan saha Pujaniya Push- The objective of this exhibition will be able to see a diverse paya’ and ‘Ethdala Daruva.’ ‘Abhiyogayaka Iranama’is a Dayawansa Jayakody publication.