Mirror

Conserving nature through dance

By Natasha Fernandopulle, Pix by Lekha Edirisinghe

The frangipani or the araliya flower is a well known flower, mainly due to its ties to our little island. It is this flower which has given Kapila Palihawadana the inspiration for his next production, simply titled, Frangipani.

Kapila is no stranger to dance here in Sri Lanka. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of nATANDA Dance Theatre, where he combines Kandyan dancing, Classical ballet and Angampora for his dance routines.

His fascination with the araliya flower started at a young age, “When I was a kid, I loved this flower which bloomed on a tree just in front of my mum’s house and it had a lovely smell,” he said.

This is one flower which has very distinct connections to our country especially in religious terms as it plays a role in both Hindu and Buddhist religious rituals.

“The flower manifests the aspects of strong, mild and weak,” he says adding that these are all part of a Sri Lankan. “Our rich heritage and culture makes us strong, and at the same time it is what makes us mild and caring,” he say, adding, “And it is this 30-year-old conflict which has ravaged our land, which makes us weak and has made us lose our confidence.”

Another interesting cultural belief, Kapila spoke of, comes from the Balinese culture. A female in Bali wearing this flower in her right ear, symbolises her single status while wearing it on her left ear symbolises the fact that she is taken!

In spite of most of these connections being to Asia, it’s interesting to note that the frangipani’s actual origin is from North America. Through Frangipani Kapila also intends to deepen audience’s understanding of nature and for them to open their eyes and their hearts toward respecting the environment.

So upon drawing all these cultural beliefs and symbolisms Kapila has created Frangipani, which will certainly be a treat, just like his previous productions.

Frangipani will go on boards at the Lionel Wendt Theatre on April 22 and 23 at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced between Rs. 300 and Rs. 1500 and are available at the Goethe Institute and the Wendt.

 
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