I’ve had the fortune of meeting Kapila Palihawadana numerous times during the past year, and found his story a true inspiration. It is true when they say that artists really do suffer for their art, and this is quite true when it comes to dance as well. Consider the fact that when it comes to the aspect of art, there are many ideas that need to be looked into. Forever smiling away, Kapila is very enthusiastic with his work and he also is very committed to dance as a whole. I had the fortune of interviewing Paul Upali Gouëllo a few issues back, and it really did broaden my perspective when it came to understanding how dance can be an extension of one’s personality.
Having studied Kandyan Dancing for many years and even the geta beraya, I know the hours or dedication that one needs to put into mastering an art form. Kapila has dedicated his entire life to his art, which is an art form that I find very hard to describe. I’ve seen him and his entire dance troupe — nATANDA — in action, and it is truly an unbelievable example of artistry. I suppose the best way I can describe what he does is by saying that it is a melting pot of dance styles that is both Eastern and Western. There are definitely elements of Kandyan dancing and ballet as well. Interestingly, there are also elements of Angampora with a great deal of emotional flailing of the limbs and incredible acrobatic jumps that can only be thought of as magical.
Yet at this particular juncture, I would think it is best that we talk a bit about Kapila’s background, which is very interesting to say the least. Having studied contemporary dance in Ohio in the US, he decided to start a contemporary dance troupe that focused on the various dance styles that he has experienced throughout his life. This was an idea that was born in the early 2000 era, and it is something that he worked hard at to differentiate. While his exposure has been international in a sense, he truly did believe in giving enthusiastic Lankans a chance at choosing an alternative career. When there is hardly any opportunity around, then there is no commitment and discipline. Ultimately, dance in all its forms do not have a chance to flourish locally; and, this is something that he wants to change specially for the future generations.
One of the most proactive initiatives that Kapila has started is known as nATFEST. It was an effort in bringing the whole concept of dance to a wider audience. Speaking about his dancers, he mentions how they are very geared towards learning as much as they can; as a testament to how accepted his philosophy with regard to dance is, he talks of how his dancers have practiced and performed with him for close to two decades. Kapila has launched some groundbreaking productions recently and can only be described as being incredibly visionary to say the least. He also believes in the youth and how dedicated they are simply because they are very forward-thinking. Additionally he firmly believes that more exposure is required in order to create a sense of enthusiasm from the younger generations. This is where nATFEST comes in; the latter festival of dance has hosted dancers from Sri Lanka, United Kingdom, South Korea, Germany, Lebanon, USA, Malaysia, Russia, India, Switzerland, Australia and Luxembourg over the past few years and has mesmerized over 8,000 audience members collectively.
Art is indubitably a medium that can help people connect and even overcome boundaries. It is something that can help communities unite and not end up falling for divisive politics. While there is certainly an underlying focus on unity and embracing culture whilst also giving an opportunity to the younger generation, when it comes to sheer entertainment value, Kapila and his inimitable dance troupe is unparalleled in all aspects. Svelte and flexible, his dancers stay true to form and showoff the fruits of hard discipline by stretching the boundaries of physical endurance. I’ve been to many of his productions, and the combination of music and ideology along with the various dance forms that are displayed is breathtaking to watch.
For more information with regard to nATANDA, please visit the following page on Facebook: www.facebook.com/NatandaDanceTheatreOfSriLanka/
By Rohitha Perera