Cargills Bookcity welcomes Power of Play
Power of Play, a company that utilises Sri Lankan traditional arts and literature for communication founded by Sulochana Dissanayake, is partnering Cargills Book City to revive a great tradition of storytelling within the heart of Colombo.
An internationally renowned children's author, Sybil Wettasinghe has written and illustrated over 300 stories that have won her numerous national and international awards. ' Kirihamy' will be the first of Sybil Nenda's beloved tales to be performed at Cargills Bookcity at Majestic City.
For close on two years, Power of Play (PVT) LTD, has focused on the use of performing arts for communication, education and development, working with adults and children across the island in both corporate and educational settings. One of the company's primary initiatives has been bringing Sybil Wettasinghe's renowned tales to a new generation of readers through interactive performances that have enchanted children and adults alike. With the support of Cargills Bookcity, these classic stories will now be performed in the heart of Colombo, at the book shop's centrally located branch in Majestic City.
Founder and artistic director of Power of Play, Sulochana Dissanayake said " Sybil Nenda's timeless classics help children reconnect with the beautiful cultures and diverse traditions of our unique island and instill pride and appreciation of our roots. Reviving these gems for the new generation of children is a personal passion that I have been work- ing on for several years now".
Mr. Sanjeewa Fernando, Deputy General ManagerMarketing of Cargills Food City said " Having seen Sulochana's work, we were keen to bring her unique performances into our setting. It is our honour to feature the stories of our island's very own famous Sybil Nenda and other authors who have worked to translate our jathaka katha ( folk stories) so that today's children may come to know and love those famous folk characters of yore."
Kirihami was first published in 2012. The story is centered on a village family dependent on a Jackfruit tree and shares the importance of protecting trees to sustain lives through a touching journey of struggle, discovery, understanding and appreciation. Come dressed up as birds, animals or village folk and travel with Sulochana Dissanayake to Kirihamy's home to explore the diverse values of trees. Transform in to a bird to convince Kirihamy to save his beloved Jackfruit tree! Watch Sybil Wettasinghe's timeless stories spring to life with puppets, dialogue, music and movement. This interactive performance is an ideal family adventure to instill the joys of reading and re- live the magic of story-telling of one of the greatest Sri Lankan authors.
Sybil Wettasinghe's ' Kirihamy', dramatized by Sulochana Dissanayake will take place at 5.00pm on Friday 25th July 2014 at the Cargills Bookcity, Level 2, Majestic City. . For more details of the event or to reserve your place please contact Nissanka on 0112593035