Known for bringing an aesthetic appeal to film songs through enthralling dance choreography Chandana Wickramasinghe has embarked on a new venture in his career. The renowned dance guru has given the epic tale of ‘Ramayanaya’ a new light by bringing forth a new version of the story.
He has given prominence to its central female character, Sita. Known as the silent pillar of strength in the ‘Ramayanaya’, Sita is often quoted as an example of possessing qualities that an ideal woman should embody. Facing trials and tribulations in her marital life, it was her courage, chastity and adherence to Dharma (righteousness) that finally made her emerge the ultimate winner. Sita has shown how a strong woman should be and that she need never let go of her principles in life.
All this and more has been rejuvenated and brought forth as a dance ballet by Chandana and the Dancers’ Guild of Sri Lanka (CDGSL). Titled, ‘The Story of Sita’, the ballet will be staged on September 28 at the Bishops’ College auditorium at 7 pm. Another performance will be held in Dubai at the Sheikh Rashid Auditorium on October 6. The ballet is produced by CDGSL.
It is after more than 10 years that Chandana has brought forth a new production. He has done ‘Mayura Sandeshaya’ on behalf of Suwarnavahini in 2005. The production was highly acclaimed and they had even staged it at the Key Theater in, Stanford, UK.
“Many people are addicted to other forms of cheap entertainment, such as, reality television shows, today. These do not have much depth. It is only the crust of the event which dazzles the onlookers. Therefore, since such productions sell, many have given up their attempts to engage in making something that demands a lot of dedication and time,” he said.
He notes that Sita has not been given her fair share in history.
“You need to look at the story of the Ramayanaya through a woman’s angle to notice this side of the tale. The ballet depicts happenings which took place during two days of Sita’s life. Sita is happy to be united with Rama on the first day. Rama begins to suspect Sita of infidelity on day two, and finally on day three Sita performs the Sati Pooja. The ballet is like a window to their minds. We have used the corps de ballet technique to show this aspect. We have dancers performing with eight foot masks to portray what is going on in Ravana’s mind in one sequence,” Wickramasinghe explained adding that the message behind the ballet is apt for today as well, because males still suspect the fairer sex, unjustly. The message that ‘The Story of Sita’ drives across is that the situation need not always be like this.
The team has used other techniques like flashbacks and movements related to the Kama Sutra for the production. Ravana’s gentleman qualities too are highlighted as Sita ponders over how he loves and is faithful to his wife Mandodari.
Wickramasinghe says that the story needs to have universal appeal too since they hope to stage it abroad. It needs to relate to the audience and they should be able to understand the tale for them to be enthralled by the production.
“Everyone is familiar with the ‘Ramayanaya’. It is a globally reknowned ancient Indian epic which relates the struggle of the divine prince Rama to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. Sri Lanka too is a part of this tale since Ravana hails from Sri Lanka,” he said.
Four characters: Sita, Rama, Ravana and Mandodari comprise the ballet. 20 dancers are present to support them as corps de ballet.
“I have omitted other significant characters like Hanuman because they do not relate much to Sita. To insert episodes of what they have been upto will make things more complicated. I do not wish to provide information on the roles that they played in the ‘Ramayanaya’. Those are well known facts. My focus is on the happenings through Sita’s eyes,” Wickramasinghe stressed. A highlight of the ballet is an Agni pooja episode, done according to the Martha Graham technique. A troupe of dancers will join the lead dancer in this scene. The lead dancer will step into the midst of the audience in this sequence.
“There is also a scene in which Sita is humiliated. Dancers who have shaved off their locks will accompany her in this dance to show her embarrassment. These dancers are not characters but the personification of her emotions. We have designed our costumes in such a manner so that the whole production will be a new and unique experience for viewers,” Wickramasinghe mused adding that ‘The Story of Sita’ is a contemporary and modern ballet.
Seasoned vocalist Nanda Malini will be rendering her voice for the songs in the ballet. Peshala Manoj is the music director. The lyrics are by Ratnasri Wijesinghe and Amila Thenuwara. The stage management and lighting are by Upali Ariyasena. Hiran Wijesekara has designed the costumes, and Heenatigala Premadasa is in charge of the props.
CDGSL comprises 4, 800 students and 40 professional dancers who have been trained by Wickramasinghe. They have toured around 75 countries. CDGSL is involved in events and films. They are occupied with Prof Sunil Ariyaratne’s latest film ‘Yashodara’ these days.