Kumbi Kathawa will be staged at the Bishop’s College auditorium from August 28th to August 30th. Show times are Friday 8pm, and two shows each on Saturday and Sunday at 5.30pm and 8pm. Tickets are available at the Chitrasena Kalayathanaya, 590 Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 5 (next to ApolloHospital). Telephone: 0602150570, and the Bishop’s College Auditorium. Sponsor Rithihi, style of expression. Print media sponsors The Sunday Observer and Silumina. Electronic media sponsors Sirasa, MTV, SirasaFM and YesFM.
Check out these reviews from Kumbi Kathawa when it premiered in 2007...
“Chitrasena triumphed again at the Bishop’s College Hall when his family and his pupils brought to the stage the ballet “Kumbi Kathawa” proving that his vision, his dedication, and his striving for perfection in the sphere of Dance lives on.
A short, nevertheless aesthetically satisfying ballet, “Kumbi Kathawa” saw all the necessary elements of good theatre - competent, well trained cast, strong imaginative choreography, supportive lighting, well chosen music and brilliant costumes. These elements complemented each other to make a pleasing whole.
“Kumbi Kathawa” deserves international exposure. I have no doubt it will be instantly acclaimed anywhere in the world. It would be wonderful if only an international organization would see the value of funding an overseas tour of this production, perhaps to a children’s festival!”
“Daughter Anjalika had produced excellent theatre. 'Kumbi Kathawa' was superbly crafted, perfectly acted and exceedingly entertaining.
The audio-visual presentation prior to the ballet was meaningful. In particular, the intricacies of how the costumes and props were designed made the audience appreciate the effort put in. The meticulous planning from beginning to end gave the production its exquisite touch.
It is comforting to see the Kalayathanaya keeping to the high standards maintained for over six decades. It has passed on to a generation who realizes the need to stick with the culture built up by Chitrasena and Vajira without yielding to the current trends which do not necessarily help to preserve traditions.”
“Kumbi Kathawa was not without its blemishes, but indubitably one of the best productions I have seen. This is especially significant considering that the ballet featured actors who ranged from 9 to over 35.
There is a tendency to associate productions with children and for children as technically and qualitatively inferior to productions with professional actors and adults. Kumbi Kathawa comprehensively debunked such an association and in fact, was of a standard far higher than or effortlessly equals the best theatre in Colombo.
What was enduring and immensely fulfilling was an hour of theatre that was like a good Pinot Noir – rich, full bodied and tasteful – a rich interplay of costume, lighting, choreography and music that surely only the Chitrasena and Vajira Dance Foundation could have so effortlessly managed to produce.”
“… it was the first time I had ever experienced the wonder of the Chitrasena Kalayathanaya, but you can be rest assured I won't miss another production. It [Kumbi Kathawa] was both daunting and humbling…If pictures only could do justice to the details, dance and drama... the magic of Kumbi Kathawa transports you from this world to quite another. After all even Einstein said "Dancers are the athletes of God."
“This evening’s performance was a treat for the eye and ear. The colour of the costumes and the lighting themselves have enough to gush about as I’m not skilled with words to praise the yogic grace of the dancers. The duration of the performance was about – perhaps just over – an hour (I wasn’t looking at the clock). For those who might think that’s short I might point out that precious moments of sound and movement cannot be valued in quantity.”
Kumbi Kathawa will be staged at the Bishop’s College auditorium from August 28th to August 30th. Show times are Friday 8pm, and two shows each on Saturday and Sunday at 5.30pm and 8pm. Tickets are available at the Chitrasena Kalayathanaya, 590 Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 5 (next to Apollo Hospital). Telephone: 0602150570, and the Bishop’s College Auditorium. Sponsor Rithihi, style of expression. Print media sponsors The Sunday Observer and Silumina. Electronic media sponsors Sirasa, MTV, SirasaFM and YesFM.
When Kumbi Kathawa (Ant Story), the ballet from the Chitrasena Kalayathanaya, premiered in 2007, it played to packed audiences and received rave reviews. The themes portrayed in the ballet—working for the good of the community, perseverance through adversity, courage in the face of danger, and ultimately compassion and forgiveness—are universal in nature and resonated with audiences of all ages. These themes take on greater significance in 2009 as we come together as a nation to begin anew.
At its heart, Kumbi Kathawa is a simple story about a colony of ants that live in harmony, sharing the workload and resources of the community. Their tranquil lives are shattered one day when an evil force—a mosquito—arrives and terrorizes the ants, chasing them all away. The ballet follows the story of one ant family as they seek a new home to rebuild their lives. The family does so successfully, and to celebrate, host a party in their new home (a giant tin) to which they invite a multitude of creatures from the insect world. When the party-goers are threatened by a sudden flood, the quick thinking ants float their tin and proceed to rescue many of their insect friends. The final creature they save? The very mosquito who wrought misery on their lives!
When the ballet first opened in 2007, it became yet another classic from the Chitrasena Kalayathanaya because all aspects of the production had been honed to perfection. Reviewers were effusive in their praise for the acting and choreography, the costumes, the music, and even the lighting. The historical standards of the Kalayathanaya—creators of classics such as Karadiya and Kinkini Kolama—had been maintained, and some might say, even surpassed. The creation of Kumbi Kathawa is an interesting story in and of itself, with some key messages for all those involved in the performing arts.
The entire process, from conception to production, took five long years! Some of the time taken was due to not having the proper facilities to work in, but it is refreshing to know that they did not rush the creative process, and let it take its natural course, resulting in a production of the highest quality.
Now the Ants are back! Kumbi Kathawa is being restaged at the end of August, providing those who missed it the first time, and those who want to see it again, an opportunity 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. Who could ask for more?
Kumbi Kathawa will be staged at the Bishop’s College auditorium from August 28th to August 30th. Show times are Friday 8pm, and two shows each on Saturday and Sunday at 5.30pm and 8pm. Tickets are available at the Chitrasena Kalayathanaya, 590 Elvitigala Mawatha, Colombo 5 (next to ApolloHospital). Telephone: 0602150570, and the Bishop’s College Auditorium. Sponsor Rithihi, style of expression. Print media sponsors The Sunday Observer and Silumina. Electronic media sponsors Sirasa, MTV, SirasaFM and YesFM.
