Nrithya Visharadh Chithreena Medis, a talented Kathak dancer, is set to captivate the audience with a mesmerizing performance that showcases over 13 years of dedication and learning. The event will be held at Tower Hall-Colombo 10 on August 10 at 6 pm. The chief guest will be Professor Ankuran Dutta from Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Indian Cultural Centre, High Commission of India.
Chithreena Medis, a disciple of renowned guru Shashtrapathi Nrithya Nipun Sringaarmani Smt. Veronika Dassanayake, has honed her skills in the graceful art form of North Indian Kathak. Her mother, Shashtrapathi Nrithya Visharadh Narthana Kalashuri Thelma Medis is also a student of Veronika Dassanayake. This event will mark the first-ever Kathak performance by a mother-daughter duo in Sri Lanka, adding a unique and sentimental touch to the evening.
The performance aims to showcase the rich heritage and beauty of Kathak, highlighting the intricate footwork, rhythmic movements, and expressive storytelling elements that define this classical dance form. Chithreena Medis and Thelma Medis will unite their talents, blending their individual artistry and synchronized choreography to create a memorable experience for the audience.
The evening of enchanting dance and cultural harmony invites all art enthusiasts, patrons, and the general public to witness the talent, dedication, and artistic expressions of Chithreena Medis and Thelma Medis. The event promises to be an unforgettable experience, celebrating the beauty and significance of Kathak in Sri Lanka.
Veronika Dassanayaka is an artist and lecturer in Kathak Dance of Sri Lanka. She is an incarnation of Sri Lanka and India’s great artistic and social traditions. She created a new innovative style of performing arts by enriching it with a deeper and wider canvas of expression and dimensions.
Veronika started learning dancing in school days and mastered Kandyan Dancing, drumming, and folk dancing. She was awarded an ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relationship) scholarship for Bhatkhande Music University Lucknow, India. Just after her Advanced Level, she completed the Bachelor of Performing Arts Degree with 1st class honors in India. She studied Kathak dance and final grooming under the renowned kathak exponent Pt. Arjun Mishra is a student of Birju Maharaj, a dynamic dancer, and teacher. She also obtained 1st class for Nipun and 1st class Visharadh in Kathak Dance from BhatkhandeSangeeth Vidyapeeth Lucknow, India. Veronika completed her Master’s at Visual and Performing Arts University, Colombo in Arts.
Thelma Medis has been a professional stage actress, dancer, director, choreographer, and vocalist since she entered the industry in late 1990. She started performing arts as a choice in her childhood. She went on to study for her bachelor’s degree at the Visual & Performing Arts University, Colombo, and her master’s degree at the University of Kelaniya. Recently she was recognized as Narthana Kalashuri at the state-sponsored function for the service she has rendered to the industry and also by the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Kelaniya for the 66th Maname Anniversary.
Thelma has performed key roles in iconic and landmark dramas of Sri Lanka, including Ediriweera Sarachchandra’s Maname, Mahasara and Sinhabahu, Henry Jayasena’s Kuweni, Simon Navagaththegama’s Suba SahaYasa, Jayalath Manorathna’s Kanaru Mal and Gurutharuwa and Douglas Siriwardana’s Sihalawansala.
Chithreena has had an appetite for drama, music, and dance from the small days and following her mother’s footsteps. She completed her primary and secondary education at Museaus College, Colombo. She was a Prefect, President of the Sinhala Drama Society, and member of the Eastern Band, Media Unit, and Social Worker’s Club. Apart from aesthetic achievements, she has also won all island places in tennis and received school colors many times.
Her accolades include winning thrice all island first place in dancing organized by the Ministry of Education of Sri Lanka. She also received two gold medals (2014), one silver medal (2017), and one bronze medal (2015) for Indian Kathak Solo from the Sri Lanka Festival of Music. Also, in 2017 she played a leading role in an all-island Buddhist drama competition and won first place. She played a leading role in a stage drama funded by the German Cultural Centre in Colombo, The Diary of Anne Frank.
Nimna Dulsari Liyanage