• Kolamba Kamatha Festival to commence on 27 March

Sri Lanka’s up and coming theatre scene is poised for a significant transformation with the inaugural Kolamba Kamatha Festival (KKF) set to launch on 27 March, coinciding with World Theatre Day. This four-day extravaganza, hosted at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo, promises to be a cornerstone event, showcasing 22 diverse plays that celebrate the rich and incredibly diverse culture of Sinhala, Tamil, and English theatre.

In anticipation of the festival, a special media preview was held on 10 February at the Kolamba Kamatha venue. The evening was orchestrated by drama teacher and event host Tracy Jayasinghe, who provided an insightful overview of what attendees can expect. She highlighted that the festival aims to bridge the gap between professional and student theatre practitioners, offering financially accessible, high-quality spaces that reflect both Sri Lanka’s historical and contemporary performing arts traditions.

“The Kolamba Kamatha Festival is about creating an inclusive space where theatre thrives,” Jayasinghe explained. “We want to make high-quality performances accessible to both seasoned theatre-goers and first-time audiences.”

The Kolamba Kamatha, established in November 2022 within the BMICH premises, was conceptualised as a nexus for artistic collaboration. Jayasinghe elaborated on this vision, stating that the facility was designed to support artistes wishing to train their pupils in oriental theatre, drama, dancing, and singing at a nominal fee.

She emphasised that the space is allocated in two-hour time slots for practices, fostering an environment conducive to artistic growth. Additionally, there is a facility available for artistes to gather socially for interactions and discussions among the community, which operates on a membership basis.

The festival will utilise six unique venues within the Kolamba Kamatha theatre village, each offering a distinctive experience. These range from an intimate 80-seat Artists Club to a 300-seat open-air theatre. Notably, a new 230-seat theatre, currently under construction, will be unveiled during the festival.

Jayasinghe expressed excitement about this addition, noting that it represents a significant enhancement to the festival’s infrastructure. “This new theatre space will be a game-changer for performers,” she said. “It provides more room for creative expression and immersive storytelling.”

Catering to diverse audiences

Audiences will have the opportunity to select from up to seven productions per day, encompassing a variety of genres. The festival’s programming is thoughtfully curated to cater to diverse audiences, with dedicated children’s theatre performances in the mornings and adults-only productions in the evenings. “We have something for everyone,” Festival Director Chanchala Gunewardena remarked. “From contemporary plays to experimental performances, KKF is designed to engage and inspire.”

At the heart of the Kolamba Kamatha Festival is the realisation of a long-held dream by BMICH Chairperson and former President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga. A longstanding and highly engaged patron of the arts, Kumaratunga’s vision was to create a platform that nurtures and celebrates Sri Lanka’s performing arts heritage. She is joined by Festival Curator Bimsara Premaratna, a celebrated theatre actor and director, and Gunewardena, known for her leadership of the Matara Festival for the Arts. Together, they are supported by the immensely experienced and committed team of the BMICH.

Tickets for the festival will be available for purchase online starting from 24 February. “In an effort to make the festival as accessible and welcoming as possible, a ‘Three-Show Pass’ format has been adopted. This allows attendees to select any combination of three performances or talks per day,” Jayasinghe explained.

A discounted rate is offered for students. Student tickets can be purchased online, but must be collected at the box office upon presentation of a valid Student ID. “This inclusive pricing strategy reflects the festival’s commitment to ensuring a broad audience can experience the best of Sri Lankan theatre,” she added.

“Making theatre accessible is a core part of our mission,” Premaratna noted. “We want to remove financial barriers and bring more young people into the theatre space.”

Cultural experience

Beyond the stage performances, the festival offers a comprehensive cultural experience. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in the Kamatha village space, bringing mats and picnic blankets to soak in the festival atmosphere. With food and drink offerings from venue partners, attendees can relax in designated areas between performances, embracing the spirit of camaraderie and creative exchange that defines the festival. Inspired by the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and infused with the warmth of Sri Lanka’s creative community, the Kolamba Kamatha Festival aspires to become an annual highlight on the country’s cultural calendar.

The festival’s offerings extend beyond performances to include an array of workshops and panel discussions led by leading theatre practitioners. These sessions aim to provide behind-the-scenes insights, ranging from acting and playwriting to stage makeup demonstrations. Additionally, there will be career guidance for aspiring artists, with discussions on professionalisation, resume-building, and global theatre opportunities. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, the festival will feature a two-day arts and crafts market curated by the Good Market, where visitors can engage with interactive demonstrations and experience Sri Lanka’s rich artistic traditions firsthand.

The Kolamba Kamatha Festival of Theatre promises to be a transformative celebration of performance, creativity, and community. Whether you’re an avid theatre-goer, a student exploring the stage, or someone simply looking for a unique and enriching day out, the festival invites all to come together in a shared love for the performing arts. As Jayasinghe aptly summarised during the media preview: “This festival is more than a series of performances; it’s a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of Sri Lanka’s artistic community. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Kolamba Kamatha this March.”