Another aspect of the TFT experience is the Cultural Evening – a charity concert consisting of several acts by local performers, highlighting the richness and diversity of various cultures.
The objectives of the cultural show will be to highlight the philosophical basis and meaning of the concept of trusteeship through the performing and audio-visual arts. The acts, though contemporary, have a traditional flavour in recognizing o the principles enshrined within the UNESCO Convention on Cultural Heritage 1992 and other international, regional and national legal instruments.
The purpose of such cultural event would be to;
• Highlight our rich cultural heritage – through dance, song, hymn, naataka, and other forms of audio-visual performances so as to gain an appreciation of the importance of preserving these cultural traditions, in order that future generations may enjoy the same.
• To provide a platform to showcase the talents of those who have been neglected by society, so that they may gain confidence and appreciation for their commitments – ex: performances by the deaf, blind, physically challenged/mentally challenged.
• To document and record this rich repository of cultural knowledge so that future generations may learn and benefit from the same.
• Increasing cross-cultural understanding through the performance arts, through joint ventures and fusion performances.
• Creating harmony through music, art and drama.
This event brings together both the cultural and the social aspect of the concept of trusteeship by incorporating it into the performances. The Cultural Evening aims to highlight the rich cultural heritage and knowledge we possess, and the importance of preserving and passing on such knowledge to future generations.
In the past two years we have managed to create a platform for the differently-abled children to perform. This was inspired by a vision of integration between deaf and hearing cultures. It uses visual language, the basis of deaf culture, and fuses that with expressive dance and live music. The wonderful students from Dr. Reijntjes School for the Deaf performed this new art form, expressing the essence of songs through dance, and showing us that there are some experiences that transcend differences between cultures and mere words.
In 2009 the concert also featured Visharadha Sandun Nagahawatta, who brought to life a fusion of traditional Sri Lankan and contemporary music. In the same year a participant from the University of Jaffna performed an original Tamil composition which was well-received by his audience.
This year’s workshop will provide more opportunities for emerging performance artists. For example, The Swarna Sankha Arts Academy in Kurunegala will be given the opportunity to perform traditional Sri Lankan dances including the fire dance, folk dance and wes dance.
The Lionel Ranwala Troupe, established by the maestro, late Visharada Lionel Ranwala, now led by Sahan Ranwala, his son, aims at bringing the rich melodies of local folk song traditions, previously hidden within the shadows of the rural community, to this year’s cultural night.
