Sri Lankan Drumming - Hutt Winter Festival

The Sri Lankan Drum tradition is believed to go as far back as over 2500 years. Come and join in our workshop where you can see demonstrations, experience playing basic drum beats and be taught a small performance by tutor Mohan Sudusinghe. The workshop will also showcase our New Zealand made Sri Lankan drum, Kala Beraya.

All ages and abilities welcome. Free to attend, but booking recommended.

About Sri Lankan Drumming:
Over several centuries Sri Lanka has seen an evolution in the traditions of drums and their usage. From the humble “ Dandu Beraya” to more complex instruments, Sri Lankans have been innovating and inventing number of drums to suit various purposes from one generation to the next. According to ancient systems of clarifications, drums are divided into three types.
Athatha – Drums played using hands
Vithatha – Drums played using sticks
Vitha-thathatha – Drums played using hands and sticks

About the Sri Lankan Dance Academy:
The Sri Lankan Dance Academy has been at the forefront in promoting Sri Lankan culture in Wellington. The desire to provide a glimpse of this rich cultural heritage to the younger generation was the beginning of Dayani Gonsalkorale’s journey in dance teaching in New Zealand. From a humble beginning in 1975, the journey continued creating an opportunity to our young generation to contribute towards the rich cultural diversity in New Zealand. Mohan Sudusinghe – a professional dancer and drummer joined the academy in 2011 and has continued the legacy over the years. He was responsible for introducing drumming and folk singing to our students. Currently we have around 70 students learning Sri Lankan dancing and drumming under the guidance of Guru Mohan.

Part of the Hutt Winter Festival, www.huttwinterfestival.co.nz, 15-17 August 2019