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| Saturday, 21 August 2004 |
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Nalaka Withanage's maiden creation at Punchi Theatre : Rathree Bojanaya to titillate drama lovers From father to son. Nalaka Withanage, son of veteran dramatist Bandula Withanage has come up with his maiden drama "Rathree Bojanaya", keeping alive the legacy created by his father.
The play revolves round a home theme focusing on family love and adultery, which create the main plot with husband - wife and third party getting involved in the drama. The final resolution is reached with the husband and wife getting on together for a happy ending. This drama is considered to be one of the most skilful examples of the type of light comedy popularised in France as "Boulevard Comedy." It has been even said that Camolatti's plays illustrate the permanence of the spirit of the boulevardier parisian. "The drama has more contemporary value to the present society in our country - as love, hatred and jealousy is more in even our society." Asked why he was more prone to make a drama based on an adaptation, Nalaka said the local theatre could gain more improvement by producing adaptations based on world renowned dramas.
Although this Nalaka's maiden play, he is no stranger to the stage. "I was associating with father's drama work since my childhood," says Nalaka adding that he was more involved in behind the curtain work such as background setting and stage decoration. Apart from stage work, Nalaka had acted in several plays directed by Bandula. A graduate in Business Management, Nalaka received his higher education in New Zealand and returned to Sri Lanka. "I commenced work on this play as soon as I came here and it is my long cherished hope to engage in drama continuously," says Nalaka who is now employed at a private firm. The cast comprises Champika Kannangara, Dilini Sadeepika, Vajira Kumari, Mahinda Tennakoone and Upali Bandara. The maiden show of the play had received a good response from the audience. "The response was really encouraging and I am now planning to take the drama countrywide." ************* Nalaka Withanage's maiden drama will go on the boards at the Namel - Malini Punchi Theatre on August 28. |
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Produced by Lake House |
Nalaka's play is an adaptation of the French drama "Don't dress
for dinner" by famous French author Mark Camolatti. This drama was
premiered in Paris at the theatre "Michael " in London in 1985
where it ran for over two years.
"We can learn many things from plays from other countries and if
we do adaptation, it will be closer to our audience." he added A
unique feature in Nalaka's play is that he had selected a novel cast for
his play. "I want to demonstrate the talent of these new people. In
fact, their acting is more powerful as they infuse more energy into acting
which is a necessary in stage plays addressing to audience as stage plays
are live shows."
