TOUCHing on experience: Contemporary dance performance by nATANDA

Friday, 4 April 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Human movement occurs in time, through space and with force, effort or energy. It may tell a story, express an emotion or set a mood. It can bring self-awareness and self-confidence. Dance communicates in a way no other art form can: it has a unique ability to reach people viscerally, energetically and poetically.

Contemporary dance choreography is communication in a physical language that is very specific to what the performer is trying to convey; “Touch” by nATANDA has a particular message for its audience: the absence of human contact results in isolation and social fragmentation. A successful career in traditional Kandyan dance paved the way for Kapila Palihawadana to take the next step in his career – moving to Germany and studying Modern Dance techniques under renowned European artists and choreographers, including Irina Pauls and Manuel Quero. As Sri Lanka’s only internationally recognised Contemporary Dance choreographer, Kapila and his troupe are uniquely placed to lead a Sri Lankan audience through the intricacies of an abstracted and intangible form of communication. The performance reveals the pain of abusive touch, the vitality of interpersonal touch, the comfort of a caring touch, and how we are physically touched by others when we recognise and identify with their experience. “Touch” is an integrated contemporary dance performance by the nATANDA Dance Theatre of Sri Lanka. Touch is choreographed by Kapila Palihawadana with performances by Malith Upendra, Dakshika Bandara, Kalani Sachithra, lasanthi Dilhani, Hasani Wijebandara, Tanuja Damithendri, Lakni Kalpana, Akila Malinda and Harsha Nanayakkara. The performance will go on stage from 4-6 April at 7:30 p.m. at the British School auditorium. Touch is sponsored by the German Embassy Colombo and the US Embassy and is supported by The British Council Colombo. Tickets: Rs. 2,000 and Rs.1,000. Contact Warren on 0777 555 904.