The Legacy of Stylistic Theatre in the Creation of a Modern Sinhala Drama in Sri Lanka

This academic work by Lakshmi D. Bulathsinghala examines the transformative era of Sinhala theatre, specifically focusing on the mid-twentieth century shift toward stylized performance forms. It contextualizes the influence of traditional folk traditions, such as Nadagam and Kolam, on the emerging modern drama movement that sought to establish a distinct national identity while incorporating global theatrical techniques.

The text serves as a critical analysis of how practitioners synthesized indigenous rhythmic structures and non-naturalistic staging with contemporary sociopolitical narratives. By documenting this synthesis, the work highlights the deliberate artistic efforts of playwrights and directors to move away from Western proscenium realism, offering a scholarly record of the evolution of the Sri Lankan stage.