The Stages Theatre Group (STG) recently hosted the third edition of its "3rd Bell Children and Youth Theatre Festival" at Kolamba Kamatha in Colombo, showcasing the creative work of young artists from across Sri Lanka. The two-day event, held on May 30 and 31, featured 13 original plays produced by 14 child and youth theatre groups representing diverse regions including Bogawanthalawa, Galle, Jaffna, Marawila, Kahapola, Kelaniya, Modara, Anuradhapura, Avissawella, and Colombo.
Designed and run entirely by young participants, the festival presented performances in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, reflecting the country’s linguistic and cultural plurality. Productions such as “City of Yes” (Colombo, English), “Aluth Lokaya” (Kahapola, Sinhala), and “Orey Vaanam” (Jaffna, Tamil), among others, addressed a range of social issues including mental health, inequality, education, environmental concerns, elderly care, and conformity. Additional performances from communities in Marawila, Modara, Kelaniya, and Bogawanthalawa examined themes related to ritualism, nutrition, and imagination, fostering a broad dialogue through theatre.
The festival is the culmination of a six-year collaboration between STG and Kindernothilfe (KNH), during which STG has engaged more than 400 young people through over 1,400 free weekly workshops nationwide. This effort has resulted in the creation of 40 original plays, many originating within local communities before being presented on larger platforms such as this festival.
Since its inception in 2023, the 3rd Bell festival has become a unique platform where children and youth are not only performers but active creators responsible for every aspect of the theatrical process—from scriptwriting to production decisions. This participatory approach provides a rare space for young people from different linguistic and social backgrounds to unite as collaborators rather than competitors or token representatives. The festival prioritizes shared creative ownership, encouraging dialogue and cooperation across cultural divides.
Ruwanthie de Chickera, Artistic Director of STG, emphasized the significance of the festival amid ongoing challenges faced by youth. “At a time when young people are navigating uncertainty and limited spaces for expression, the 3rd Bell creates room for dialogue, creativity and connection,” she said. “It is about building a generation that feels heard, capable and empowered to shape their world.”
STG is recognized as one of Sri Lanka’s leading theatre companies and has been instrumental in expanding access to theatre arts for children and youth through its partnership with KNH. The 3rd Bell festival remains the flagship public event within this broader programme supporting young Sri Lankans’ artistic development and community engagement.