Namel's new play from Nov. 10

Anushka Nanayakkara

DRAMA: Namel Weeramuni's latest drama entitled "Mungen Ung" will go on the boards at the Namel Malini Punchi Theatre, Borella from November 10 to 17. An open invitation is made for theatre lovers to experience a new style in local drama.

Namel Weeramuni is a dramatist who loved the theatre throughout. The dramas have brought him joy beyond measure and sometimes incredible pain. Yet each of them has been precious gifts and he has treasured each moment of it.

Each victory and each defeat, in retrospect, all of it was beautiful in his eyes because Namel cared so much to build the drama audience. After years of hard work Namel and Malini were able to have a theatre of their own. Putting into a till the tips Namel received after pumping petrol in the U.S.A. he saved enough money to realise his dream.

Although he had been out of the country for so many years somehow he had not forgotten to promote the Sri Lankan drama abroad. He even gave up law for theatre. As a dramatist he always tries to convey a message to society. When it comes to dramas Namel favours adaptations more than translations.

As a student of Prof. Sarachchandra, Namel too organises drama workshops to impart his knowledge to the younger generation. He admits that attendance at theatre has dropped mainly due to the lure of the electronic media, and also due to the lack of quality local productions. He believes that technology should go parallel with traditional drama.

Namel's characters in his plays have the marvellous capability of reaching out to the audience and touching their spiritual life. They come in many shapes and make his plays memorable.

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