The Chitrasena Vajira Dance Foundation Namo Vajiraye The Unfolding Legacy A Tribute to Guru Vajira Chitrasena

The Chitrasena Vajira Dance Foundation recently presented Namo Vajiraye: The Unfolding Legacy exhibition and performance to commemorate and celebrate the life of Guru Vajira Chitrasena on her first-year death anniversary. The event took place over three days at the Lionel Wendt Theatre to packed and appreciative audiences.
The exhibition showcased numerous elements of Vajira’s life in dance, from creative and life partner to Guru Chitrasena, to her trailblazing roles as performer, creator, collaborator, and teacher to multiple generations of dancers. The performance presented iconic moments from Vajira’s decades long career by Chitrasena Dance Company (CDC).  Granddaughter and Principal Dancer, Thaji, reprised some of her grandmother's favourite roles and the rousing finale was the restaged version of Thridhara, where all three traditional dances of Sri Lanka - Kandyan, Ruhunu and Sabaragamuwa – were showcased in a single item. Namo Vajiraye was conceived and directed by Heshma Wignaraja, eldest granddaughter of Vajira, and Artistic Director of CDC.