News updates for Plantations Project ↓

On 15th August 2009, Theatre and TV personality, Richard Manamudali, provided training to the Trainers of our Galle workshops.  Two trainers and two helpers received inputs on how best to organize and conduct an effective and fruitful workshops.  This one day workshop was well received by the trainers.

Television and Theatre personality, Richard Manamudali, gave the benefits of his performance experience to our Plantation sector workshops.

On 13th June, he visited the Yuillefield workshop and observed the activities there.  Based on what he saw and gleaned, he conducted a workshop for all 9 of our trainers in this region on 14th June.

He gave them inputs on how to work with disabled youth, how to be sensitive to disability without being patronising, how to incorporate constructive activities into their weekly workshops and other aspects of theatre and performance.

We wish to thank Richard for his time and valuable inputs and look forward to working with him again in the future. 

It has been a busy time for the Plantation sector workshop trainers and participants, who, for the last 3 months have been rehearsing for their street theatre performances, which took place on the 28^th of February and 1^st of March 2009.

The performance on 28 February took place in Kotagala Town and consisted of participants from the Yuillefield, Kotagala, and Maddekumbura workshops.

The 40 strong cast performed a drama titled “Disabled Persons Are Human too”.   

The morning performance on 1^st March 2009 took place in the Bogawanthalawa town centre.

The 60 strong cast consisted of participants and trainers from the Kotiyagala, St. John Delary, Gowrawila and Glentiltl workshops performed a drama entitled “Save The Environment”.    

The afternoon performance on the 1^st of March 2009 in the Hatton Town Centre entitled “New Opportunities For Disabled Persons” was performed by a cast of 60.   

All performances were attended by audiences of about 200.

During a discussion on 6^th March, Sunera Trustee, Azira Esufally said, “the performances created awareness of disability issues in that area.  Though the performances were not polished, they were beneficial to the participants and community alike.  The goal of creating awareness was certainly achieved.”

During a chat on 4^th March 2009, with the Assistant Field Manager, John Philip said “the performances were a success judging by the crowds that gathered.  It is also the first time we have done such a thing in the plantations region”.

Sunera’s street theatre project is taking place on 28th February and 1st March 2009.

Sunera’s Plantations Project will perform its Street Theatre performance during the course of January 2009.

28th February 2009 (3.00pm) - at its venue opposite the Kotagala Post office

1st March 2009 (9.30am) - at its venue opposite the Bogawanthalawa Town Hall

1st March 2009 (3.00pm) - at its venue near the Hatton Bus Stand

Play from Vidivu performance staged at the BMICH on April 3, 2007

With the successful completion of the pilot project in March 2007, Sunera Foundation in partnership with the CWDF (Citizen Welfare Development Foundation) continues to offer free performing arts workshops in Maskeliya and Hatton for young persons with disabilities. Funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 12 workshops will be conducted weekly in the upcountry tea plantations. In addition, 2 Street Theatre Groups will be established and major performances will be staged to showcase the talents of the disabled while raising awareness of their human rights. See more on this project under the Plantations Project page.