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Chitrasena, Sri Lanka’s legendary dancer who brought international recognition to the island, past away last morning at the age of 84. He dedicated his life to the cause of dance traveling and performing the world over along with his wife Vajira and daughters. |
He was the first professional artiste in Sri Lanka. He challenged the mood of the 30s and 40s and influenced the mind of a generation, establishing himself as an artiste unparalleled in the dance annals of this country. He was the pioneer of the modern dance theatre, which proved a viable alternative to the changing social milieu that sustained the traditional dance rituals.
In 1941, Chitrasena performed at the Regal Theatre and founded the Chitrasena Dance Company in 1943.
Just last week Chitrasena was conferred with the highest honour accorded by the French Government, by naming him a Chevalier De L’ordre Des Arts Et Des Letters (Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters). In Sri Lanka too he had been honoured with the title of Deshyamanya.
President Chandrika Kumaratunga on the demise of Deshyamanya Chitrasena said. “His lofty and innovative contribution towards the advancement of performing arts throughout the past 50 years cannot be forsaken”.
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Last Updated
Date: July 19, 2005 - 10.15 GMT
