Look near any pile of rubbish, overhanging power line or tree branch and you are sure to encounter them in vast numbers, cawing, their ebony carcasses casting a black shadow over their surroundings.
Most of us think two words when confronted with a crow- “take cover”- but for Kapila Palihawadana, an encounter with this scavenger sped in motion the idea to create a unique and innovative dance concert.
Aptly titled ‘Ravens’, the performance by nATANDA, a contemporary dance troupe which Kapila founded, will demonstrate the varying thoughts, movements, and emotions of this oftentimes misunderstood bird. This will be the second time this year that nATANDA will be performing Ravens, with their first show being held in late March.
The major difference between this edition and its predecessor according to Kapila is a membership card launch at the beginning of the show, along with an obvious improvement in the show’s overall execution.
“The launch of the membership card will open up an avenue for dancers looking to join nATANDA. These individuals will be provided with a unique experience because we are a group that combines a range of different dance styles,” he reports.
This amalgamation of the more traditional dance veins such as Kandyan and Angampora with more Western contemporary blends will once again be a trademark of Ravens.
However, what spawned this fixation with our vociferous dark feathered friends?
“While at a workshop in Batticaloa I was sitting in a verandah when my eyes came across this crow. He was looking questioningly at me and that got me thinking. In the bus I discussed my ideas with the dancers and they too gave their feedback and that was how the show was born,” Kapila reveals.
ATANDA’s Founder and Choreographer says he plans to impart on the show’s audience a sense of appreciation for the bird by highlighting the profound similarities it shares with us human beings.
What you may ask does this garbage pecking airborne menace have in common with a deeply complex organism such us? Well according to Kapila, plenty.
“Their sense of community, their ability to work together as a team, along with the leadership they exhibit, all strike me as very human qualities. My dancers aim to successfully exhibit all these different behavioural aspects by using subtle abstract movements,” he explains.
Kapila divulges that nATANDA owes much to The British Council, Wendy and Jeffery Ells and Mohan Fernando for helping the group successfully restage the show.
For those of you curious to gain a clearer understanding of Kapila’s fascination with these birds, attend ‘Ravens’, which will be held on September 29 at The British Council at 7.30pm. All tickets are priced at Rs 1000. |
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