Standard Chartered Bank presents ‘Dancing for the Gods’

Standard Chartered Bank presents ‘Dancing for the Gods’ Chitrasena’s philosophy of dance is that ‘the new is but an extension of the old’. It is a tradition that has inspired the grandchildren of Chitrasena (who was born in 1921), to craft this offering to dance – ‘Dancing for the Gods’.

Heshma, Umi and Thaji were encouraged by their parents and grandparents, as their grandfather was by his father from a young age, to learn dance and theatre. Chitrasena learnt Kandyan dance from a veritable who’s who of the genre, and in turn went on to add not only his name but those of his wife and children to that illustrious list – and this third generation now lay claim to their place in the history books of the traditional dance form.

The heirs to this rich heritage, guided by their grandmother Vajira and aunt Upeka – continue to imbue the Chitrasena Dance Company, founded in 1943, with not only the artistic but innovative inspiration of their grandfather.

‘Dancing for the Gods’ is a modern day interpretation of the 2,500-year-old Kandyan dance ritual, the Kohomba Yak Kankariya, by the Chitrasena Dance Company. The Kankariya is an ancient ritual performed to invoke the intervention of the gods to cure all ills of both body and mind. Originally expressed in dance movement, drum rhythms and incantations, its modern-day incarnation and rendition by the Chitrasena Dance Company has preserved and enhanced the richness and mystery of the Kohomba Kankariya of our forefathers. “The ancient language of the Kandyan Dance is used to explore how this ritual art form has developed over the years, while retaining the spirit and essence of its origin...”

Standard Chartered is one of the oldest banks in Sri Lanka having commenced business in the country more than 150 years ago. The bank prides itself on partnering communities in not only development and growth, but also in fostering the local arts and culture. Standard Chartered brings a performance of ‘Dancing for the Gods’ to its priority and corporate customers as yet another affirmation of the special place heritage and tradition are accorded in its corporate ethos.

Standard Chartered’s Chief Executive, Anirvan Ghosh-Dastidar, on the bank’s support of the arts said: “To recognise contemporary effort, especially of the interpretation of ancient traditions and rituals, and of the attempt to explore relevance in the modern context, is to honour not only the creators of such work but also acknowledge the immeasurable contribution of artists who have gone before, like Dr. Chitrasena.”

A special presentation of “Dancing for the Gods” will be performed by the Chitrasena Dance Company on 7 October 2011 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre for Standard Chartered Bank’s priority and corporate customers.

Standard Chartered PLC is a leading international bank, listed on the London, Hong Kong and Mumbai stock exchanges. It has operated for over 150 years in some of the world’s most dynamic markets and earns more than 90 per cent of its income and profits in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. This geographic focus and commitment to developing deep relationships with clients and customers has driven the Bank’s growth in recent years.

With 1,700 offices in 70 markets, Standard Chartered offers exciting and challenging international career opportunities for more than 85,000 staff. It is committed to building a sustainable business over the long term and is trusted worldwide for upholding high standards of corporate governance, social responsibility, environmental protection and employee diversity. The bank’s heritage and values are expressed in its brand promise, ‘Here for Good’.