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| Saturday, 27 September 2003 |
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Renowned actor honoured by He has created a celebrity-line of actors on stage who has followed in his footsteps and are at the top in both contemporary teledramas and films. He created an image in society through his portrayal of 'Sudu Seeya', the isolated intellect in 'Doo Daruwo'. As a gesture of gratitude for that long and tedious walk through the passage of performing arts besides his contribution towards literature, theatre production and song writing, actor Henry Jayasena will be honoured by Nalanda College Colombo this evening by presenting him with the 'Nalanda Keerthi Shri'. by Prasad Abu Bakr
He began his acting career in 1956 in films but his production of 'Chalk Circle' created a niche not only for Henry Jayasena but also for the local theatre at large. It was a period that theatre of the land flourished and creative actors like Jayasena thrived in giving there best. Actors and artistes were languishing in a legacy that they embraced and cherished with pride. It was an era like no other and Henry Jayasena was one amongst a few that made it happen. In 1962 with his marriage to Manel Ilangakoon, better known today as Manel Jayasena who plays all those heart warming characters on television. Though they created a sensation together through 'Chalk Circle' (yet not playing lovers or partners in it), they have actually never been cast opposite each other on a regular basis but it is interesting to note how they have emerged as strong performers in their own right. It is a pleasure to watch these artistes at work even apart, as one can feel the deep concentration and commitment that goes into the characters that they portray. The 'Nalanda Keerthi Shri' award which is being given for the first time is a timely gesture towards honouring one of Sri Lanka's prodigal sons who incidentally happens to be an old Nalandian himself. It was under the guidance of his teacher U.A.S. Perera at Nalanda College that Jayasena and many other students made their way into theatre and the other field of arts. It is also interesting to note that the actor will receive his award at the 'Malalasekara Hall' of the school, named after the first Principal of the Nalanda College Professor Gunapala Mallalasekara, who incidentally predicted Jayasena's successful career in the arts by watching him take part in school plays. The Media Secretary to the Organising Committee of the this award (Nalanda Keerthi Shri) said that the idea behind this award is to honour their past pupils that has emerged as personalities in society, by serving it and nourishing it with their many talents. They hope to present this award annually, "we are privileged to have someone of Henry Jayasena's calibre, who is an artist of many talents receive the very first award of the series" he concluded. #################### Wind Bird: An attempt to tackle social taboos Our society has certain social and cultural values which they like to preserve and they will not condone or tolerate anything that would jeopardise values they cherish. The film SULAN KIRILLEE (the Wind Bird) now screening focuses attention on social taboos and the dilemma faced by unmarried mothers. Will our society accept sex outside marriage or unmarried mothers ? Will they also recognise abortion as a part of the accepted social norm ? What should a girl do, when she becomes an unmarried mother giving herself to the pleasures of the flesh or forced to give- in, by the circumstances and social pressure or due to her ignorance of the consequences of her action ? Will the society help her ? Recognise her child and assure a better future for him ? These are some of the questions that cross one's mind as you watch the film. These are also very valid issues that the society is called to pay attention as the society is in constant change. The film SULAN KIRILLEE (the Wind Bird) by Inoka Sathyangani Keethinanda (Director, Producer) takes us into a cinematic voyage of about two hours between dreams and reality. It is a story of most of the garment workers. Rathi comes from a remote village and works in a sub-urban garment factory. This village damsel falls in love with a soldier. They enjoy each others' warmth and companionship forgetting the limits and the eventual conception, awakens the girl to the truth: that she is pregnant ! Wiruma #################### "Salute to the Legends" "Salute to the legends" which was to be held on 13th September will now be held on the 5th October 7.00 p.m. at BMICH. Salute to the Legends which is a concept of D. R. Entertainments, will pay tribute to legendary performers from the theatre of music, song and cinema. The four artistes who will be remembered are Sunil Santha, Rukmani Devi, Eddie Jayamanne and Wally Bastian. The artistes for the evening will be Ivor Dennis, Sunil Perera, Ronnie Lietch and Corrine while Rajiv and Felix too will join hands with Corrine in duets. The music will be provided by Rajiv and the Clan, supported by a six piece Orchestra. There will also be dance acts to add colour. There is much, much more to this unique musical event presented by HCIMA (Hotel Catering International Management Association) in collaboration with D.R. Entertainments. The emcee for the evening will be Vijaya Corea. Following the announcements made recently, and prior to the postponement most of the reserved tickets have been already bought. Tickets already purchased for the 13th are valid for the show on October 5. Those who have not purchased their tickets, are advised to do so early, from Torana, Liberty Plaza, and Majestic City. |
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