The Paalam Project

Our project is reaching exciting  heights this semester. Just last week on Sunday, February 27th, Cultural Conversations delivered the debut performances of some select English plays and monologues of the Paalam Project. Needless to say, the pieces were well received by both the Penn State and State College communities. It spurred discussion about the similarities between the American and Sri Lankan cultures, as well as the differences. Cultural Conversations served as one of the last and most important portions of this bridge: allowing its actors to translate these powerful words on paper to powerful emotions and actions on stage, a conduit between the Sri Lankan playwrights and the State College community.

The official Paalam Project showcase, which will have the translated plays and the works by displaced students, will be in mid-April. Stay tuned!

Below is a YouTube video of the Paalam Project's direct interactions in Sri Lanka through drama workshops and meeting with the various school's administrations. The video is courtesy of the Liberal Arts College and specifically, Jillian Balay.