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| Saturday, 17 July 2004 |
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Compiled by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi Vijaya begins new reign with 'Queen of Hearts' "Harata Rajina" (Queen of Hearts), the latest play by the well-known dramatist and veteran actor Vijaya Nandasiri will go on the boards at Elphinstone Theatre next month.
"The play portrays how this arrogant woman faces ruin because of her snobbery," he added. In Vijaya's new play, a god comes to Earth from heaven to experience the luxury and prosperity enjoyed by humans, leaving his goddesses behind. The drama is based on a play by Plotus, a Roman dramatist. "But it is an original play," says Vijaya, who describes the new play as a comedy. He noted that it would appeal to the present society as the theme is universal and everlasting. "The music and stage settings have added new colour and would ensure a novel experience to our theatregoers," he added. The drama's cast comprises Vijaya, Devika Mihirani, Rodney Warnakula, Ananda Wickramage, Sarath Chandrasiri and Nawanjana Mihirani. Music is by M.R. Choolasinghe. The unique feature of the play is the combination of Vijaya and Rodney who has a role in Vijaya play for the first time. Unlike other dramatists, Vijaya has found an alternative to face the difficulties in the local drama field - the lack of resources and poor stage facilities which discourage dramatists. "When producing a play, I am very much concerned whether I would be able to stage this play abroad," says Vijaya explaining that he is receiving invitations from foreign countries for his plays. "Sri Lankans living abroad are extending invitations and there is a growing demand for our dramas." Vijaya is to leave for Australia on August 5 after staging his play on August 4 at the Elphinstone Theatre. Having commenced his acting career in 1966, Vijaya is undeterred by the difficulties and problems in the local drama scene. "Just because there are problems, we cannot be idle without producing dramas. We must make good dramas which could attract better audience," he says, complimenting drama organisers islandwide. ###### It is all about Love, Actually Love Actually, a new romantic comedy is now being screened at the Majestic Cinema. The film, in the tradition of Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill and Bridget Jones Diary, is set in contemporary London in the weeks before Christmas. It tells one story which weaves together a spectacular number of love stories - sometimes romantic, sometimes sad, sometimes stupid - all funny in their own way. The cast comprises Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy and Keira Knightley. Everywhere you look, love is causing chaos. From the new bachelor Prime Minister who falls in love 30 seconds after entering Downing Street to a sandwich delivery guy who does not have hope with the girls in the UK, so heads for Wisconsin. Then, comes the jilted writer who escapes to the South of France to nurse his broken heart to an aging rock star trying to make a comeback at any price. A bride having problems with her husband's best man to a married woman having trouble with her husband. These London lives and loves collide, mingle and finally climax on Christmas eve again and again - with romantic, poignant and funny consequences for all. |
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Produced by Lake House |
The third stage play by Vijaya, Harata Rajina is woven around an
arrogant woman who tries to show off that she is rich and beautiful
although she is not.
