Bringing History to Life: Kathirgamam Dance Drama Premieres in Colombo

By Abhinayakshetra School of Dance

An extraordinary cultural milestone is set to unfold as the Abhinayakshetra School of Dance, under the visionary leadership of Kalasuri Thivya Sujen, presents the premier of “Kathirgamam”, a grand dance drama that brings to life the rich history of one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred temples.

Scheduled to premiere on the 20th of July 2025 at 6 p.m. at the New Kathiresan Hall, Colombo-4, this monumental production is the first of its kind, portraying the vibrant legacy of the Kathirgamam Temple through powerful storytelling, classical dance, and evocative music.

With more than 100 dancers from both India and Sri Lanka, and music composed by world- renowned artists who have collaborated with legends like A.R. Rahman and Ilaiyaraaja, the event promises to be a mesmerizing fusion of culture, devotion, and artistic brilliance. The production is generously sponsored by the Manitha Neyam Trust.

Founded over two decades ago, Abhinayakshetra has emerged as a cornerstone of Sri Lankan dance education and innovation. The institution has staged several landmark productions in the past, including the Life History of Shiradi Sai in 2017—which helped establish the Sai Temple in Awissawala—and the Thiruketheeswaram Temple History in 2020, which led to the creation of the Kethu Sannidhi in Thiruketheeswaram.

“Kathirgamam” is not merely a performance—it is a spiritual journey. Drawing from meticulous historical research, the production showcases stories that span centuries, celebrating the temple’s sacred rituals like the Yatra and Yagam, while promoting a profound sense of cultural pride.

At a time when unity is more important than ever, this production serves as a bridge between communities, embracing Buddhists, Muslims, and Hindus alike in a shared celebration of Sri Lanka’s rich spiritual heritage. With its universal message of peace, oneness, and harmony, the production is expected to captivate not only art lovers but also pilgrims and tourists from across the world.

As this landmark event prepares to make its mark on Sri Lanka’s cultural landscape, the organizers invite everyone to witness this historic celebration.