Power of Play introduces giant puppets
Established in 2011, Power of Play is Sri Lanka’s leading contemporary puppeteering company and specializes 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 its very popular interactive monthly story readings and unique holiday camps, to theatre techniquebased corporate training and islandwide development projects, it is currently gearing up for the Christmas season and is especially exciting at the prospect of showcasing its 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,” said Power of Play founder and Artistic Director 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 playmate sings, dances and is capable of shaking hands and delivering warm hugs,” explained 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 music 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,” said Sulochana.