I just finished writing some epic summaries for a YAMU post on Colomboscope 2014.

Here’s a summary of a summary, the events I’m looking forward to:

Friday, January 31st

HISTORY-SCOPE: My Mother’s Village (3:00 — 4:45 PM, New Town Hall, FREE) — This free film screening is a very interesting story by Aaron Burton. It shows how his parents village has changed in the 30 years since he left. The footage from past and present is very interesting.

JANA GEE REWORKED (7:00 PM, Sri Lanka Foundation, Rs. 500) — The Serendib Sorcerers are doing a musical show. This group is an extension of the talented, erudite and entertaining Music Matters group and we highly recommend. They can get experimental but it’s always interesting. The event is described as “The evolution of music in Sri Lanka — a look back in time at its indigenous music.”

FESTIVAL LOUNGE EVENT (8:00 PM, Grand Oriental Hotel, FREE) — This is the first day afterparty at the GOH, a mediocre hotel with an amazing view that’s been crying out for a proper party like this.

Saturday, February 1st

TOUR OF MODERA (10:15 — 11:15 AM, Whist Bungalow, FREE) — this tour of Modera (North Colombo, once one of Colombo’s elite neighborhoods) seems really cool. It’s conducted by Asoka De Zoysa.

IF WALLS COULD TALK (10:30 AM to 11:15 AM, Whist Bungalow, FREE) — this talk by historian Deborah Philip should be interesting, covers the history and stories of the Whist Bungalow and surrounding Modera.

LUNCHTIME MUSIC: 19TH CENTURY SALON MUSIC (1 to 2 PM, Whist Bungalow, Rs. 500) — This should be a treat, the Chamber Music Society is playing a concert in the lovely Whist interior.

Sunday, February 2nd

IF WALLS COULD TALK (10:30 AM, Grand Oriental Hotel, FREE) — Historian Deborah Philip discusses the history of the hotel and of Fort.

SRI LANKA: WHAT IF? (12:15 -1 PM, Old Town Hall, FREE) — This panel discussion with Bradman Weerakoon is worth checking out. He served 9 Sri Lanka heads of state. The panel covers — “What if the 1962 coup had succeeded, if the 1971 insurrection had triumphed, or if the 1983 riot never happened? History is about turning points, choices made, and roads not taken.”

FESTIVAL LOUNGE EVENT (8:00 PM, Grand Oriental Hotel, FREE) — This is the last afterparty at the GOH. Should be bumping.

Monday, February 3rd

Paraya (9 pm, Rio Cinema, Rs. 1000) — Paraya is the choose-your-own-adventure play that first made the Rio an art space. It’s intense.