CPArts Activities in June -July 2007



International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day celebrations took place at the regional and national level by 20 CPArts Centers

On March 24th and 25th Panadura CPArts in collaboration with Panadura Town Hall, organized a national conference under the theme “For A Better World” About 17 CRArts Centers were present for this event and shared their ideas, vision and talents aimed at a better future for women. Several centers participated in group activities, seminars, stage performances and exhibition of handcraft products. We are proud to report that irrespective of cast, creed or race all nationality gathered and participated at the venue where the communal riot originated in 1958.

The riot’s history was narrated by Ms Malika, a female police officer from the Panadura police station in charge of children affairs. A significant feature of the event was the welcome of a Hindu Priest by Sinhalese Artistes, beating traditional drums and performing traditional dances. Officials who participated in the celebration believed this occasion would definitely forge national solidarity, amity and peace amidst current animosity.

Due to the current crisis, Jaffna, Ilavalai and Vanni were unable to participate at the national level. However, within their individual centers they celebrated by holding seminars reflecting on various issues affecting women.

Passion Plays

In recognition of Easter and the days of lent, some CPArts centers staged passion plays; featuring the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Jaffna

A spectacular theatre performance entitled, “Pearls of Redemption” was staged at Jaffna CPArts open air theatre; on March 29th -31st and April 1st Over 150 artistes dedicated and committed their talents and knowledge to make the play a success. Despite daily curfews in Jaffna, over 4000 devotees attended the play each day; with hopes of healing for those suffering from trauma and the stress of current war.

In the past, plays were staged in the evenings however, due to the curfews many feared that the play would not have the same effect if staged in the daytime. Nonetheless, CPArts talented artistes were able to improvise and manipulated various theatre technique to create a moving daytime passion play, which many called “spectacular”

Colombo

Two stage performances were organized by Colombo CPArts center. The first was a dance play called, “Velliyel Gnayeru” staged at Tower Hall, Maradana on March 30th attracting more than 500 viewers. The dance play also used Tamil traditional costumes as a way of merging Tamil art forms and Christian traditions. The second one, a passion play entitled, “A Voice from the Hill” was held on April 1st at the Nal Marana Matha’s Church, Hulsdorf. More than 500 viewers were spell- bound, reduced to tears, while others appeared exalted and inspired by the plays. Some spectators called it a “memorable experience.” Despite the lack of pomp and glory, the simplicity of the play won the hearts of the audience.

Haputale

In a collaborative effort Artistes from Pasara and Haputale’s CPArts center staged a passion play on March 25th at the Pasara central playground. Parasa’s Inspector of police and Parish Priests from adjoining villages were in attendance.

Workshops at Mannar

Mannar’s CPArts Coordinator invited professionally trained artiste from Batticoloa to Mannar. Artistes conducted 20 workshops in Mannar on April 2nd & 3rd. Many teachers of children theatre, field officers and children from the villages participated in the workshops. These activities speak to CPA’s missions, goals and continued vigilance in the struggle for peace, justice and equity among all communities. This workshop was funded by UNICEF Mannar.

		CPArts Activities in March 2007




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	International Women’s Day International Women’s Day celebrations took place at the regional and national level by 20 CPArts Centers On March 24th and 25th Panadura CPArts in collaboration with Panadura Town Hall, organized a national conference under the theme “For A Better World” About 17 CRArts Centers were present for this event and shared their ideas, vision and talents aimed at a better future for women. Several centers participated in group activities, seminars, stage performances and exhibition of handcraft products. We are proud to report that irrespective of cast, creed or race all nationality gathered and participated at the venue where the communal riot originated in 1958. The riot’s history was narrated by Ms Malika, a female police officer from the Panadura police station in charge of children affairs. A significant feature of the event was the welcome of a Hindu Priest by Sinhalese Artistes, beating traditional drums and performing traditional dances. Officials who participated in the celebration believed this occasion would definitely forge national solidarity, amity and peace amidst current animosity. Due to the current crisis, Jaffna, Ilavalai and Vanni were unable to participate at the national level. However, within their individual centers they celebrated by holding seminars reflecting on various issues affecting women. Passion Plays In recognition of Easter and the days of lent, some CPArts centers staged passion plays; featuring the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Jaffna A spectacular theatre performance entitled, “Pearls of Redemption” was staged at Jaffna CPArts open air theatre; on March 29th -31st and April 1st Over 150 artistes dedicated and committed their talents and knowledge to make the play a success. Despite daily curfews in Jaffna, over 4000 devotees attended the play each day; with hopes of healing for those suffering from trauma and the stress of current war. In the past, plays were staged in the evenings however, due to the curfews many feared that the play would not have the same effect if staged in the daytime. Nonetheless, CPArts talented artistes were able to improvise and manipulated various theatre technique to create a moving daytime passion play, which many called “spectacular” Colombo Two stage performances were organized by Colombo CPArts center. The first was a dance play called, “Velliyel Gnayeru” staged at Tower Hall, Maradana on March 30th attracting more than 500 viewers. The dance play also used Tamil traditional costumes as a way of merging Tamil art forms and Christian traditions. The second one, a passion play entitled, “A Voice from the Hill” was held on April 1st at the Nal Marana Matha’s Church, Hulsdorf. More than 500 viewers were spell- bound, reduced to tears, while others appeared exalted and inspired by the plays. Some spectators called it a “memorable experience.” Despite the lack of pomp and glory, the simplicity of the play won the hearts of the audience. Haputale In a collaborative effort Artistes from Pasara and Haputale’s CPArts center staged a passion play on March 25th at the Pasara central playground. Parasa’s Inspector of police and Parish Priests from adjoining villages were in attendance. Workshops at Mannar Mannar’s CPArts Coordinator invited professionally trained artiste from Batticoloa to Mannar. Artistes conducted 20 workshops in Mannar on April 2nd & 3rd. Many teachers of children theatre, field officers and children from the villages participated in the workshops. These activities speak to CPA’s missions, goals and continued vigilance in the struggle for peace, justice and equity among all communities. This workshop was funded by UNICEF Mannar. Report by CPArts Team