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| Wednesday, 14 July 2004 |
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Invitation to the 'Fourth Floor' by R. S. Karunaratne The 'Fourth Floor' is a harmless term if you consider its denotation. However, the term at one time connoted torture, unreasonable detention and violation of human rights. Being a sensitive dramatist of the first order, Namel Weeramuni has produced Hataraveni Thattuwa (Fourth Floor) a drama for the modern age. Namel will stage his controversial play at his own Namel Malini Punchi Theatre, Borelle from July 15-23 at 6.45 p.m. each day. The unconventional theatre will create history when it starts hosting the play for eight consecutive days charging a nominal fee as entrance. Namel wants to create a new culture - a new drama audience who will patronise the theatre on a regular basis.
This he calls Avadhanathmaka Natya Sampradaya. Loosely translated it reads something like "Attention-getting drama tradition". What does he mean? "As dramatists, we have to say what we have to say directly to the audience". That means direct criticism of social inequalities, official apathy and violence in varying degrees. However, he admits this has to be done judiciously because the dramatist works on a different mode. Namel thinks loud, "Come and watch this drama and blast it if we are wrong." A bold statement coming from a veteran. Therefore let us give him a hearing. He is trying to do something different; something controversial or something revolutionary. People who belong to various walks of life are bound to watch this drama one day or the other. However, how many of them will sit down and review the play? If we have no critics or reviewers there is something radically wrong with the drama tradition. One drawback is the non-availability of a series of stage plays to create a drama-going audience. When there is no regular flow of spectators such a new culture is unthinkable. Namel's "Hatharaveni Thattuwa" comes after many years of hibernation. The cast include Daya Tennakoon, Lucien Bulathsinhala, Chaya Nammuni, Riswan Mohamed, Seneviratne Bandara and Anoma Jinadasa. The costumes are designed by Malini Weeramuni. Stage decor is by Upali Attanayake and Suneth Shanthapriya. The music is directed by Jayatissa Alahakoon. Choreography is by Vasantha Kumara. **** Back **** |
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