Extreme entertainment: Power of Play’s giant puppets make a massive impression

Friday, 31 October 2014 02:07 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Established in 2011, Power of Play is Sri Lanka’s leading contemporary puppeteering company, and specialises in the use of the performing arts in the areas of education, development and reconciliation. While the company is constantly engaged in diverse areas and activities; from their very popular interactive monthly story readings and unique holiday camps, to theatre technique based corporate training and island-wide development projects; they are currently gearing up for the Christmas season and are especially excited at the prospect of showcasing their family of impressive and unique giant puppets. Power of Play has three giant puppets for use at outdoor events. The first is Raja the life-size elephant-puppet mobile lantern. Both puppet and lantern, Raja draws inspiration from traditional Sri Lankan Vesak lanterns, Balinese Barong puppets and South African giant puppets. He is lit from within and stands to fully the height and width of an actual elephant. “Raja is a perfect, absolutely cruelty free way to include a full sized elephant at an event,” says Founder and Artistic Director of Power of Play, Sulochana Dissanayake. “Raja is stunning at night and while being an absolutely majestic visual treat, he is also capable of interacting with the crowd – he is a real show stopper.”

Extremely appropriate for the season is Power of Play’s 14 foot Giant Santa Claus. “This massive play mate sings, dances and is capable of shaking hands and delivering warm hugs,” explains Sulochana. “Perfect for Christmas parties and events, our giant Santa is Father Christmas in a super-size guise in which no one has ever seen him before.” Last but not least is another giant musical lover, Sangeetha Singnno. As the name suggests he is a musical man whose facial features and accessories are made to resemble traditional musical instruments. All three puppets were designed and manufactured in Sri Lanka by craftsmen led by Dr. Lionel Bentharage – an eminent low country artist renowned for his expertise in dance and stage craft. “These giant puppets all draw inspiration from South African giant puppets and the Balinese Ogoh-Ogoh traditions, both of which I was introduced to during the time I spent studying drama and puppetry in these countries,” says Sulochana. “There is something so completely magical about these gentle giants. It’s a complete suspension of belief – children are awe struck by them and so are adults, and their presence at events truly adds something completely unique.” The company is also capable of producing customised giant puppets based on the theme and specifications of an event. “As long as all the conducive conditions are present to bring the giants to life, what can be done is limited only by our imaginations,” Sulochana enthuses. To find out more about Power of Play and these unique giant puppets, visit www.facebook.com/powerinfoplay.

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