Ozlanka's special correspondent reporting from penrith.

“Tharuth Samaga Reyak” produced by Iduwara Films was recently held at “The Joan”, Penrith which among other things became special for its sheer variety of style and fusion of dances. Young and talented actors from Sri Lanka and Australia unleashed their talents through traditional and non-traditional creative dances to songs of the films of yesteryear.

Amidst much enthusiasm and tireless hours of practice to achieve perfection, ‘Tharuth Samaga Reyak' came alive with pulsating rhythm, catchy dance moves and a bit of comedy making the event a great success.

The concert commenced with a solo performance by Shehara for the all time great song “Manaranjana Darshniya Lanka” which captured the audience spontaneously. The romantic dialogue of Dammi and Sugath, which opened the show with background music of the Film “Golu Hadawatha” gave a novel feeling to the audience and laid the instant foundation of enjoyment for the rest of the evening.

The dances carried the essence of characters in a number of films of the late sixties to eighties and were able to stir the nostalgic memories of filmgoers who were taken out of the labyrinth of Indian film obsession with their own contradictions and inhibitions.

Guest artists who performed at the concert comprised veteran actor Cletus Mendis, Sri Lanka's sweetheart Damitha Abeyratne, Arjun Kamalnath – ( The youthful resemblance of ever loving Vijaya Kumaratunga), Amisha Kavindi and youthful dancing sensation Suresh Gamage. Sydney's Oshini, Chandi, Thushari and Shanika too showed their equal prowess along with the Sri Lankan artists.

The combined effect was unique and showed in no uncertain terms the talents of youthful vigor of the dancers both from Sri Lanka and Australia . Songs such as ‘Sudupaata Meedum Galala', Sonduru Lowata Mal Wehela, Hada Wiman Dorin” were spectacular scenes with a rainbow effect on the stage.

Several duets sung by Sydney artists Lanka, Sriyani, Lalith and Chaminda were items which also represented popular music of the original Sri Lankan film Songs. Bonny and Subha sang duets with Damitha and Cletus respectively. Child artist Thisal Padukkavithana sang “Meka Sonduru Lokayak” while the children of Blacktown Sinhalese School created the background for it somewhat similar to Somaratne Dissanayake's film “Samanala Thatu”

All our local dancers and singers have been successful in the journey to go in search of perfection and maturity in their respective fields braving the odds.

A prominent characteristic of Tharuth Samga Reyak was that the body language and dance has been used as a principle mode of expression without any dialogue. Perhaps, it had its own strengths and Achilles' heels. When there are no words and the body language and dance take their place, the dance takes a universal shape enabling persons of diverse nationalities to comprehend the concert. On the other hand, this makes intricate for actors and actresses to articulate subtle nuances of characters devoid of words.

The concert lacked a story line but the 75 odd cast including the Sri Lankan and Australian artists, Vidhu Narthana dancing group, Janaki de Silva's Nruthya Pradeepa Dancing Group, Diana Academy of dancing, Lalith, Gihan, Sahan, karu, Chaminda,Ujith, Chathuri, Sampath, Jayantha, Himali and Indi made their maximum contributions to make the event a great success. Hiran and Pravini compeered the show.

The young producer of the show Chalaka Jayasinghe should be congratulated for his maiden attempt of the kind. ‘Tharuth Samaga Reyak' was a unique blend of music and colourful dance and all in all was a remarkable performance and a display of diversity and exuberance at its best.

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