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| Saturday, 20 November 2004 |
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Kelani Palama 'constructed' in London
The London Production & Direction was by Gamini Abeysinghe film star of the 70s. October 24, 2004 was a memorable day for Sri Lankan theatre lovers, when R. R. Samarakoon's well-known award winning drama Kelani Palama was staged at Greenford Town Hall London for a packed crowd under the patronage of The High Commissioner for Sri Lanka Faiz Mustapha PC & Mrs Mustapha, Deputy High Commissioner Mrs. Shenuka Seneviratne and Mr. & Mrs. Gauthamadasa. The viewers were spellbound for three hours of well dramatised entertainment. Gamini with an ensemble of Child Specialist, Chartered Accountants, Chartered Civil Engineers, Physiotherapists, Research Officers and Housewives, managed to do the impossible with just 20 days of rehearsals. Almost all the stars acted as veterans. They proved that away from home there are multi-talented people. The new comers to the stage, Ruvinda Gallage (Saranapala), Sandya Tryner (Suranganie), Sumith Hettiarachchi (Martin) and Kumar Wickramasinghe (Govt. Officer) gave an electrifying performance. The rest of the cast were, Sheila Madawela (Rupawathie), Damitha Ratnasinghe (Kalu Malli), Vithnage Dhanarathne (Member), Channa Cabrall (Govt. Officer), Hema Koralalage (Lisa), Madduma Rathnayake (Sergeant), Achala Walpola (Gabrielle) Clara Opatha (Mother) all of whom lived in their character while Gamini Abeysinghe as the loveable rogue Chutte, and Amitha Kularatne (Matilda) gave a memorable performance rarely seen on London stage. The musical score was by Dr. Sanjeewa Kulawickrama, who gave an added impetus to the drama. Kamalangani Perusinghe's design of props and clothes and Amitha's background cut-out recreated realistic Kelani Palama surroundings. The sound was handled by Chaminda Wanniarachchi and Mathisha Palahepitiya. Dilhani Palahepitiya's make up created the necessary characterisation and Saroja Abeysekera's stage management assisted by Shivanka Thilakaratne added the necessary ingredients for the plays success. Gamini Abeysinghe disclosed that he had already made plans to stage the drama in Paris, Geneva, Italy and in major cities in the UK. He added that he is honoured to have got the permission and the blessings of R. R. Samarakoon writer and producer par excellence. |
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Produced by Lake House |
A new page was turned in the local drama field when the London
production of veteran dramatist R.R. Samarakoon's Kelani Palama went on
the boards recently.
