Masks and Myths: Devils and Dancers from Sri Lanka
Dubbed “Devil Dancers,” Sri Lankan dance artists present their voice, history and culture, loud and clear.
In 1893, Chicago had hosted the World’s Columbian Exposition, and infamous and pivotal moment in American history. Great buildings and parks was built to represent the greatest architecture in Western and Classical civilization; and various communities were brough to fill in the scenes, as colonial conquests. Amongst these, were the “people of Ceylon,” who spent afternoons pouring tea for American sight-seers in Hyde Park, Chicago.
125 years later, Sri Lankan dancers and musicians present their artistry with honesty and agency. Mandala presents Masks and Myths as a historical and liberatory experiences for both performers and Chicago’s communities. Through a three part program: the traditions of Sri Lankan performance, the effects of colonialsm on artistry, and the progresion forward, our artists hope to express the power and bravery necessary to keep art forms living and moving.
This production will be the culmination of a year-long exchange between Mandala and Sri Lankan artists. Stay tuned for accesible performances and workshops throughout the year, across Chicago.
Featuring: Sudesh Mantillake, Ashwaty Chennat and Ashley Fargnoli
Directed by: Pranita (Jain) Nayar
Production by: Connor Torres
Light Design: Geoffrey Bushor
This program and Cultural Exchange is funded by the MacArthur Foundation International Connections Fund.