Catharsis: How Jaffna is rebuilding itself using the arts

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• by Raisa Wickrematunge 
• - on 02/18/2016 

Since 2009, Jaffna has become host to hordes of curious tourists, visiting to see what a city ravaged by war looks like. For the residents, there are many bitter memories. It is difficult to have a conversation where the war doesn’t crop up.

Some, though, are trying to move on with their lives. Slowly but surely, space to express grief and share memories is opening up – and the arts is playing a big role in this.

Father Saveri is a respected figure in Jaffna. Having received a BA and MA in Theology in Rome, he also has double Doctorates in History and Hindu Philosophy.

To him, looking at the Fort brings back a terrifying memory.

In 1971, the Centre for Performing Arts staged a passion play set inside the Jaffna Fort, with 350 people participating.

The choice of location was deliberate – the Centre wanted people to draw parallels to the city of Jerusalem. However, they also chose to address some of the Fort’s bloody history during colonial times.

During the Dutch period, the Fort was used for public hangings, and the crucifixion scene was staged on the very spot that the hangings took place, in acknowledgement. In addition, bridges were built linking the outside of the fort to the centre, and these too were used as a stage. More than 100,000 people arrived to watch the play.

The show started at 7pm as scheduled, but the SP soon sent word that there was bad news, and the show should be ended promptly. While the actors were getting dressed, Fr. Saveri noticed a group of unknown people, but assumed that they were part of the lighting crew, who had come all the way from Colombo.     Continue Reading →