Theatrical project Crique enters Sri Lanka

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam
Colombo’s tourism landscape will see the addition of a new and vibrant element with theatrical project Crique Lanka all set to dazzle Sri Lankans from this week onwards. 

Kicking off at the peak of the festive season, Crique Lanka, an initiative from event experts from the Czechs Republic, is a unique theatrical project, which would combine traditional Sri Lankan drums and dances with European ‘new circus’. 

The event premiered at the Viharamahadevi Open Air Theatres, Colombo last evening and is set to go on for four months, till March 31, 2017.
Endorsed by the Tourism Ministry, the programme has been conceptualized under the leadership of European theatre directors and will be executed by renowned Sri Lankan and European artistes. The project aims to promote tourism by way of cultural exchange.

With a plethora of international and local performers, live music drummers, aerial acrobatics and fire effects lined up, the event is said to kick off daily from 7:30 p.m.
According to the Crique Lanka officials, artistes from both cultures will create an hour-long show, which will showcase the fusion of traditional Sri Lankan dance and music with high artistry and poetic circus.

Speaking to journalists in Colombo, Crique Lanka Founder Jakub Vedral expressed confidence in the art form creating an “unusual symbiosis” that is attractive and original. 
“The performances maximally respect the traditions of Sri Lankan culture. This project is new and it grows organically through two different cultures. It is really a big experience and challenge for both Czechs and Sri Lankan partners,” said Vedral, who has been in Sri Lanka for nearly a year to study the viability of the project.

Meanwhile, highlighting the relevance of the project to local tourism, Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Amaratunga pointed out the event would help promote Sri Lanka’s rich culture to the world and with the opportunity to infuse with the arts of Czechs Republic, the nation could explore the possibility of establishing Colombo as a modern cultural capital. 
The minister also proposed for the international production team to explore the possibility of taking the event to Hikkaduwa towards mid-December, stressing it would be an instant hit due to the increase of tourists vacationing in that area.

Crique Lanka organisers shared they are optimistic the event would become an annual one in Sri Lanka’s event calendar and depending on the success of the Colombo event, the producers would take the show to the other parts of the island.
The event hopes to attract an average crowd of over 600 persons on a daily basis.