‘Sokari’ in Kurunegala

Two special shows of ‘Sokari’, shorter version of an old

Sri Lankan folk drama which was formed according to the rural traditions of Shanthikarmas that were performed to goddess Paththini seeking fertility and prosperity will be performed at 8.30 an and 11.30 am on September 18 at Kurunegala Town hall.

Traditionally ‘Sokari’ is enacted throughout the nights for seven days. This new version directed by Jaliya Rajapakshe with the aim of preserving the Sri Lankan traditional drama for future, runs for two hours and thirty minutes and it contains of ancient characteristics that could be appreciable to everyone. ‘Sokari’ drama is prescribed for aesthetic subjects like drama, music and dancing in the local curriculum.

The play is organised by Jude Srimal. The first ever release of a 100- song flash drive titled ‘ Sarasa Wasanthaya’ and the launch of a compact disc with songs penned by experienced lyricist Nilar N. Cassim was launched last week.

The launch was in celebration of 25 the year journey of Nilar as a song writer.

While President Maithripala Sirisena was the chief guest at this event which was attended by a large number of artistes, singers and music lovers, Prof. J. B. Dissanayake, journalist Saman Athaudahetty and musician Nadeeka Guruge delivered talks about Nilar’s writing and his use of language.

The evening was coloured vocal renditions by a group artistes representing different generations of Sri Lankan music and they included Amarasiri Peiris, Rukantha Gunathilake, Edward Jayakody, Nirosha Virajnini, Uresha Ravihari, Chandralekha Perera, Samantha Perera, Indika Upamali, Kasun Kalhara, Bathiya and Santhush, Umariya, Ruwan Hettiarachchi, Hemanthi Ranasinghe and Theekshana Anuradha. The music d i rection was by Rohana Weerasinghe.