Lyceum International Schools delivered its 13th edition of “Maathra”, at the BMICH premises, on the 12th October. When the first edition of the event was displayed to the public in 2008, it is unlikely that the organizers would have envisaged its impact on viewers, and the sense of anticipation it would go on to create in the minds of the public, year after year; nor that it would re-invent itself with each performance, reaching new levels of excellence with each successive year. That is an aspect the writer can personally vouch for, not having missed a performance since its inception.

Maathra is a rich, multi-faceted tapestry, an auditory and visual feast, woven from local narratives, folk tales, traditional dances, myths and legends, values and beliefs, and segments of the country’s rich history. It is a composite of the cultural diversity that is Sri Lanka. Maathra showcases and promotes this incomparable diversity, exploring through each individual performance, the aesthetic and rhythmic elements that distinguish Sri Lankan art forms. By engaging with such a broad spectrum of cultural aspects, Maathra makes a significant contribution to the broader conversation about our national identity, and inculcates in the children- performers and viewers alike- pride in that identity, and the cultural and historical wealth this country has to offer.

In a highly globalized society, connected by instant communication which indiscriminately transmits both the vulgar and beautiful, Maathra reminds viewers that, in meaning and value, what this country possesses is absolutely unique. Maathra is a performance which helps all those involved, audience and participants, to re-anchor themselves to national roots. Maathra is not just about dance, theatre and music, but also about who we Sri Lankans are. The selection of performances of the latest edition was clearly designed with the above in view. “Sigiri” celebrated the matchless grandeur of the fortress in the sky and the cloud-maidens who adorned it, whilst “Devadasi” introduced to the audience, an ancient temple service tradition with South Indian roots.

“Gaadi”, recreated vignettes of the diminished Hulawaly community, once very much part of our culture and “Andare”, the court jester of the Sinhala kings, evoked much laughter. “Hiru Kule” depicted legendary king Ravana at his menacing best and “Tikiri Kumaru”, took the audience back to the youth of warrior king Rajasinghe the 1 st . “Hansa” , revived the brilliant literary tradition of “Sandesa” poetry and “Siri Dalada”, paid homage to the sacred tooth relic. ‘Manikyabhiman” was a tribute to the gem-laden soil of Sabaragamuwa and “Isurumuni”, a special performance by the Lyceum alumni, brought to life the ancient lovers carved in stone. “Nertha Yaathra” traced the evolution of traditional dance forms in Sri Lanka, and its enrichment through other influences.

This production of ‘Maathra” brought together 65 dedicated teachers and 762 students. The event, in its totality, was led by the dynamic duo, Rasika and Nisha Kotalawela, under the guidance of Dr.Mohan Lal Grero and Dr. Mrs Kumari Grero. The beautiful melodies which accompanied each item had been produced by renowned artists, whilst the glittering costumes, inspired by strictly traditional motifs, crafted by leading designers. A production, involving over a 1000 people, mostly high-spirited children, requires intricate planning, which actually begins anew, immediately, on completion of each show ! The seamless progression of events, moving from one to the other with hardly a break, was testament to the dedication of the organizing group, and the discipline of the performers themselves.

The fluid coordination within and between performances, belies the fact that the cast had been assembled, just for this event, from seven Lyceum branches across five provinces. The performance was graced by many prominent figures from the cultural, dance and theatre communities of the island. Undoubtedly, the proudest would have been the parents of the performers, watching their children displaying such virtuosity. Lyceum International takes pride in providing appropriate platforms for its students to showcase their talents and skills. As ‘Maathra” has demonstrated each year, disciplines rooted in national culture clearly receive priority attention.

Anura Gunasekera 21 Oct 2024