Inaugurated in 2012, the Colombo International Theatre Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. It is the only International Theatre Festival in Sri Lanka.
This year’s festival will feature 16 vibrant dramas from 11 countries. In addition to these performances, the festival will include theatre arts workshops, international theatre directors’ conferences, programs to appreciate local and foreign dramatists, international awards ceremonies, and much more.
The Colombo International Theatre Festival will take place from August 24th to August 30th at the Elphinstone Theatre in Maradana. Theatre workshops will be conducted at the Indian Cultural Centre, and the Directors’ Conference will be held at the Goethe Institute Colombo. Pre-registration is essential for the International Workshops and the Directors’ Conference.
Tickets for the theatre shows can be purchased through the festival’s website or at the theatre on the days of the performances.
Festival line up:
24th August
Love and Lockdown (Opening Show) by M. Safeer, Sri Lanka
I want to fly
This theatrical production explores the themes of love and solitude experienced during different phases of life, particularly in the context of the global pandemic. While not directly about the pandemic, it delves into the profound connection between a woman’s love and her solitude. Through minimal dialogue, the production conveys her experiences of loneliness, separation from loved ones, dreams, pain, pleasure, love, and lust through movement, dance, singing, and acting.
25th August
A Story for Eurydice by Luisa Guarro, Italy
In this reimagining of the myth, Eurydice, in love with Orpheus, dies after being struck by a car while trying to escape from her armed ex-boyfriend, Aristeo. As she lies on a morgue table, her life flashes before her, revealing fragments of her memories as a vibrant young woman from a provincial town in southern Italy, repressed by her community.
Throughout her recollection, Eurydice comes to understand her own death and crosses into the afterlife. Meanwhile, Orpheus, consumed by grief and unable to move on, searches for her in his pain. His inability to cope leads to tragic consequences when he is killed by the Maenads of Dionysius. In the afterlife, Eurydice reflects on her newfound freedom as a spirit, detached from the passions and struggles of her former life.
NIJINSKY
Mălina Andrei – Romania
The one-man show “NIJINSKY” explores key moments from the 200-page diary of the renowned dancer and choreographer Vaslav Nijinsky, who grappled with creation and despair. Born in Kiev in 1889, Nijinsky was a pivotal figure in 20th-century dance, known for revolutionizing classical ballet.
The performance captures his struggle between sanity and madness as he desperately documents his thoughts during a two-month period, striving to preserve his legacy and identity. Through various expressions, the show highlights Nijinsky’s profound impact on both dance and human history.
MERI MUNIYA
Dr. Vidhu Khare Das – India
The story follows a poor farmer who is determined to provide his daughter, Muniya, with a good education and fulfill a promise made to his late wife, who wanted their daughter to become an officer. After working tirelessly, the father proudly sees Muniya reach high school.
However, tragedy strikes when she goes missing, and her body is eventually found. Heartbroken, the father desperately seeks justice for his daughter, highlighting the struggles and shattered dreams of innocent, impoverished people.
26th August
ALA
Mohammad Kazemtabar – Iraq
Ala, an Iraqi girl who fled to Iran as a teenager, marries a boy named Arash. When the Iran-Iraq war begins, Arash serves as a nurse on the front lines, and Ala joins him to care for wounded soldiers. Tragedy strikes when their field hospital is bombed by Iraqi forces, leaving many dead and Arash critically injured. In a desperate attempt to find help for Arash, Ala ventures into the desert but inadvertently crosses into Iraq.
GIGOLO
Devang Tewari – India
“Gigolo” is a gripping show that follows the extraordinary and dark journey of Murli, a runaway boy from rural India who transforms from a laborer and background dancer in Hindi films into one of the country’s most infamous criminals.
The narrative reveals his descent into psychopathy, resulting in the murder of over 17 people, fueled by themes of mindless revenge and child sexual abuse. Inspired by true events, the show is described as bold and must-watch, featuring breathtaking performances that explore the complexities of morality and crime.
I WANT TO FLY LIKE A KITE
Nehal Bhattacharjee – India
The narrative emphasizes that time is defined by our actions and achievements rather than just the passage of years, particularly highlighting the theme of child oppression. It illustrates how children yearn for freedom and the ability to explore their surroundings and dreams, akin to a kite flying high.
Yet, despite advancements in society, many children face restrictions and oppression that force them to compromise their aspirations. While they desire autonomy, they also seek guidance from nurturing figures. Unfortunately, egotistical tendencies of caregivers often stifle children’s voices, leading to frustration and lost potential. Thus, society risks losing valuable talents and bright futures as children struggle against these limitations.
27th August
Katabaza
Dominik Setlak – Poland
“Katabaza” is created using a Transmedia methodology focused on the theme of auto mythologization. The performance synthesizes various artistic disciplines and perspectives, drawing on narratives about growth and the author’s relationship with his grandfather.
It explores themes of maturation, self-discovery, and familial bonds while reflecting on how personality operates within social contexts. The work raises important questions about awareness and consciousness in relation to the surrounding world.
“My Mother’s Diaries”
Amitai Kedar – Israel
The play centers on a son who discovers his mother’s diaries and a letter on the day of her funeral. For twenty-five years, he has kept the diaries, feeling compelled to bring their stories to life. The narrative explores his childhood relationship with his mother, who navigated two contrasting worlds: their shared reality and a fantasy realm filled with anguish, illusion, and false delusions.
The work delves into the complexities of memory, loss, and the impact of a mother’s dual existence on her son’s life.
She is Naked
Fr. Peter Hemapriya Botejue – Sri Lanka
The statement argues that while law should be equal for everyone, it often serves the interests of those in power rather than ensuring justice. Those responsible for upholding the law frequently manipulate it for their own benefit, applying it differently to the powerful and the vulnerable.
The piece highlights how societal norms, particularly masculinity, influence the law and its enforcement, revealing the inherent flaws and inequities in the legal system. Ultimately, it presents a critical view of how the law is perceived and practiced in society.
28th August
Salma Deewani
Bhagyashree Tarke – India
“Salma Deewani” is a light-hearted narrative unfolding over the course of a single Sunday. The story follows Salma, whose peaceful morning is disrupted by the milkman, prompting her to confront the absence of her husband and her struggles in daily life.
As she reflects on her journey from childhood to the present, the play delves into her playful banter and frustrations, alongside her deep admiration for Bollywood star Salman Khan. A pivotal phone call from her husband reveals an opportunity to meet her idol, which energizes her narrative.
Throughout the nearly hour-long play, Salma’s shenanigans provide an escape from her monotonous household chores. The work serves as a satire on the challenges of early marriage, loneliness, and celebrity fandom, while also addressing political and gender issues within society.
Palunko’s Wife
Iva Peter-Dragan – Croatia
This non-verbal show utilizes clown techniques to tell the story of Palunko’s wife, a character from the fairytale “Fisherman Palunko and his Wife” by Ivana Brlić Mažuranić. Notably, she remains unnamed, a reflection of many women’s historical experiences, which serves as a central theme of the show.
Palunko’s wife does not speak; instead, she is portrayed as a skilled performer, adept at heights and taming wild animals, with a hidden red nose and a leotard underneath her apron. Through her journey, the show explores the essence of femininity, questioning whether women can embrace their identity independently of men, and examining the paradox of self-sacrifice as both a weakness and strength rooted in societal and familial expectations. The performance addresses the resilience and loyalty of women while delving into their struggles for identity and fulfillment.
Wawula
Anuruddha Heenatigala – Sri Lanka
The emergence of a new political culture with the stabilization of the Walava family in this country, the tragic fate of the old left-wing movement, the new left-wing movement; A controversial novel that reflects a new evolution within the crumbling cave culture itself.
29th August
‘Aamar Aami’
Ashim Das – Bangladesh
Amar Ami” is a historically inspired play centered on the life of Binodini Dasi, a pioneering actress from Bengal. Born in 1863 in Calcutta, she began her acting career at the age of 11 in the play “Shatrushanghar” at the Great National Theatre. Gaining widespread acclaim, she was celebrated as the “Flower of the Native Stage” and the “primadone of the Bengal stage.”
Despite her fame and recognition, Binodini tragically ended her acting career by taking her own life on January 1, 1887. The play explores her journey, the impact of her artistry, and the complexities of her life in the world of theater.
Mt Rushmore
Theresa Buchheister and Nehemiah Lucket – USA
Mt. Rushmore is a punk rock, time travel voyage that flings audiences into the throes of the rebellious fringes of the Reagan era in California, where they are tasked with helping playwright and performer Monica Hunken on her quest to save her own mother from a lifetime of grief and Conservatism. This is a true 1980s action adventure – packed to the brim with espionage, unexpected friendships, and even a shot at redemption. Mt. Rushmore features original songs and punk rock classics.
A forgotten tale
Satish Kumar – India
The story revolves around Ashwathama, the son of the warrior Guru Drona, who faces tragedy during the Mahabharata when he is misled by the Pandavas regarding his son’s death, leading to Drona’s demise on the battlefield.
Seeking revenge on the Pandava bloodline, Ashwathama is cursed by Lord Krishna, leaving him to wander for millennia, eternally bleeding and stripped of his power and humanity. The narrative contemplates whether Ashwathama can achieve his goal of avenging his father’s death or if centuries of suffering will trap him in unending torment. This timeless tale highlights the struggle of a once-great warrior against the relentless forces of fate.
