Reflection of THIDORA 

The inception and concept of THIDORA dates back to 1987, with its new phase, now being implemented. The original name of the project was Natya Silpa Shalika, which was initiated by a popular and veteran dramatist late Dhamma Jagoda. After his demise, Rohana Deva [Chairman, Thidora] succeeded as the director of the Natya Silpa Shalika. During this period an enthusiastic foreigner, Wolfgang Stange, Founder of AMICI Dance Theatre Company, London, fancied this project, mainly due to the services rendered, and focused the project towards the disabled in Sri Lanka, for which he mooted finances through Interlink Trust, London.

It would be of significant interest to note that some of the achievements of the disabled youth through this project in various activities including dramas such as “Rosa Kele’, ‘Kekiri’ and ‘Procession comes, comes and goes.’ They were produced during weekly based theatre workshops in and around Colombo. They also won a special award for a production based on ethnic conflict, “Palm and Coconut”, from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Sri Lanka. This project is the first ever integrated theatre introduced to the disabled in Sri Lanka. Participating youths’ keenness and enthusiasm of their parents during the project was boundless. We also utilized theatre arts as therapeutic tools to enhance their mental and physical abilities.

In 1998, Natya Silpa Shalika joined the Sunethra Bandaranaike Trust to form the Butterfly Theatre Company. Its first production “Butterflies Will Always Fly” was directed by Rohana Deva and Wolfgang Stange. In 1999, the duo successfully directed “Flowers Will Always Bloom” with performances in London, New Delhi and Brisbane, in addition to several shows in Sri Lanka. Thereafter, the project was reorganised as Sunera Foundation with a view to spreading the techniques and methodology towards other parts of Sri Lanka. Rohana Deva was the live-wire of the Foundation and a key player performing several roles as the Creative Director and Consultant.

Thidora-Theatre Institute for Disability Oriented Research and Advocacy is established to make optimum use of resources and leading a mission towards the concentrated goals and objectives of the Mission.

When workshops are conducted in rural areas it is envisaged to make a viable survey of disabled and disadvantaged talents on various aspects for development through the project, be it dance, drama, puppetry, music or art. In that backdrop, hostel facilities would be an essential input to help them concentrate on their higher studies. Plans are afoot under THIDORA to set up a mini theatre to conduct experimental activities along with hostel facilities to accommodate the disabled and disadvantaged. The mini-theatre and the hostel will be equipped with disable friendly modern facilities.

Parents of participants Ananda Siriwardana and Chithra Thebuwana [a member of the governing body of Thidora] have already donated a land and built a small auditorium for the initial work to achieve our goals.

To proceed with the aims and objectives of the Project with a future developmental sphere the numerous activities of ‘Thidora’, it is envisaged that donations and contributions from individuals and organizations keen in the rehabilitation of the innocent and the children of the God, a descent way of life.

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