Free-doom Down Under

Sulochana Dissanayake, founder and artistic director of Power of Play, is dedicated to creating works that reflect identity, diversity, equity, and inclusion, while advocating for social change. With a cum laude degree in Economics and Theater from Bates College (2009), she combines her expertise in theater, directing, puppetry writing and social economics to craft experiences that engage and challenge audiences on critical societal issues. Dissanayake’s experience with leading theaters in the U.S. (Guthrie Theater and Williamstown Theater Festival) has shaped her approach to performance as a powerful tool for social advocacy. She uses creative and interactive methods to spark conversations around cultural and social divides.  

A Watson Fellowship recipient (2009/10), she traveled to South Africa and Indonesia to explore how performance can foster community engagement and cross-cultural understanding. Her work in Sri Lanka focuses on empowering marginalised voices and promoting social justice through the arts. In 2024, Dissanayake migrated to Adelaide with the hope of expanding Power of Play to Australia for intercontinental collaborations. Dissanayake remains active in both countries & capitalises her experience in USA, Europe, Africa and Asia to customise unique communication solutions for communities of South Australia and Sri Lanka. 

Dinuka Liyanawatte is an award-winning fourth-generation photographer with over 20 years of experience as a photojournalist and freelance photographer. Growing up in a family with a rich photographic legacy, Dinuka developed a passion for news and sports photography from a young age. He has also photographed performances and art events, where his photojournalistic eye complements his art photography, capturing the essence of each story. 

Dinuka began his career as a staff photographer for local newspapers, later joining Reuters News International. His global experiences have shaped his unique approach, blending technical expertise with artistic perspective. In 2024, Dinuka moved to Adelaide, South Australia, where he is eager to contribute his skills to companies, organisations, and individuals in the Southern Hemisphere, bringing his vast international experience to new opportunities.