Why is this production so important?

Over the last 30 years, the young people and children of Sri Lanka have had varying experiences of war, conflict and violence. Geographic location and individual circumstance have shaped the disparate nature of these experiences and varying degrees and understandings of the situation. Although the experiences may vary, it does not take away from the fact that while some children were impacted by the direct violence, loss of family and homes, every child lives with the altered psychology of being witness to war.

The project through the performance of the monologues seeks to highlight the issues, experiences and tragedy of children caught in situations of war all over the world. As Sri Lanka seeks to recover from our haunting past; its recognition, acknowledgment and validation is significant in an attempt to heal. We believe that the process of children in Colombo working on the text and production will be an expression of solidarity with children in similar situations, and those who support initiatives for peace and non-violence.

While there has been immense discourse on the topic of conflict and war, especially in the Sri Lankan context, how far the people understand the extent of it and the intricate issues affecting them is always uncertain. The monologues resonate powerfully with Sri Lanka’s experience and through them we hope to create awareness among a younger age group in addition to the larger audience by exposing them to the real life experiences of children affected by conflict. It is crucial that the younger generation understand issues such as these in a post conflict context and we hope that through this project, by working with students and performing to an audience which will include a younger group, we contribute to their understanding of this critical issue.

By being a part of a cultural and political world movement, Floating Space hopes that it will inspire others to come together and through alternate means such as theatre, create awareness on vital issues that need to be addressed.