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| Wednesday, 10 November 2004 |
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Rag depicts campus rumpus Reviewed by Somadasa Wijeratna
The upcoming young dramatist Jehan Aloysius who formed The Centre Stage Productions (CSP) in 2001, staged a preview of his latest musical dramatic endeavour "Rag", an Opera, at the Namel & Malini Punchi Theatre, Borella recently. The show went on the boards for a selected audience of the academia and well-wishers, followed by a public show. As an event termed "The Centre Stage Festival" which Jehan hopes to make a regular feature to encourage feedback on the work in progress in order to assess whether he is on the correct track before embarking on a full length production. Jehan Aloysius formed this theatre troupe in 2001 motivated not by profit but by sheer humanitarian enthusiasm to help young people to foster their skills in all forms of theatre, from the very act of scriptwriting to acting, direction and production. CSP regularly conducts theatre workshops with schools, theatre troupes and amateur dramatists both of the English and Sinhala theatre circles. The "Rag" full length production revolves round the main character (Joe's) dream of a violence free academic career in universities and depicts in musical form numerous rifts, conflicts and clashes among pro-rag and anti-rag student groups compounded by general indiscipline, awkward love affairs and leadership jealousy. The preview "Rag" in late September was almost a synopsis of the complete musical "Rag". Jehan Aloysius in addition to his main directorial and choreographic tasks, played the lead role of Joe in the play displaying his talents as a dynamic actor and an impressive vocalist. His vibrant voice coupled with a lingering smile supported by Avanti Perera's excellent orchestration kept the audience spellbound as to what would follow the excitement he created on stage from time to time. Dushyanth Weeraman, Anjuli Gunaratne, Samantha Ferdinand, Ruveena Dias, Shanaka Cooray, Angenine Jayasooriya, Marissa De Silva and Sandesh Gunasekara, who played significant roles in the play did justice to their respective roles, augmented by the Old Joe's Choir backed by Deshan Cooray who directed Choral arrangements. The "Rag" in mini form that I viewed kept me engrossed and enlivened throughout the week that followed. May be because it shot so much of joy into a monotonous spirit that one would experience in everyday life. I hope those who will view the full length "Rag" would have much more to add after they experience the "Rag" next year. Finally, by way of answering the Director's call for feedback I wish to add that the "Rag" in its entirety remains a campus rumpus throughout the play without adequately dealing with the causes and presenting solutions to university violence in the form of "Rag" which Jehan even in his real life dreams to end in peaceful means. This aspect should be given some thought when "Rag" comes on the stage at full length next year. 'Rag' was sponsored by the British Council, Colombo. **** Back **** |
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