Panchali follows Sarachchandra tradition
Ruwini Jayawardana
DRAMA: The world of Sri Lankan drama is a unique and wonderful form
of imagination. Sad to say many have not noted this fact. We are in
danger of losing this heritage to a series of modern dramas which have a
direct or indirect foreign influence.
In this era of crisis emerged Panchali, a stage creation by Ananda
Senaratne. Its aim is to develop on aspects which are considered as
ours, what we were handed down from our ancestors, and gift it to the
local and international audience.
"Our entrance to the stage began with the art form known as the Sri
Lankan Nadagam. This is the foundation of stage dramas like Panchali,"
explained Senaratne.
"This form of art does not play second fiddle to the North Indian
Raga and Tala music. Panchali is a mode of presenting the new Raga tunes
to our audience. I hope this would open a new chapter in our field of
art."
The late Ediriweera Sarachchandra gifted us with many acclaimed
creations such as Maname and Sinhabahu. It is generally accepted that
after him no one was able to take his place and proceed with the work.
Panchali may be the key which opens that closed chapter, the step that
Sri Lankan drama needs to continue with its journey from where
Sarachchandra left off.
"I was inspired to make the play while I was on a visit to Nepal last
year. I completed my diploma in writing and media at the University of
Sri Jayewardenepura.
Based on this knowledge and the guidance of Dr. Dammika Ganganath
Dissanayake I got the opportunity to do research on our traditional
dance Nadagam," Senaratne explained adding that it was difficult for him
to find time at the period as he is employed as deputy director at the
Civil Aviation Authority.
This minor obstacle had not discouraged Senaratne as he had written
the script and included his own song and raga melodies into his new
creation. He had even borrowed a few melodies from veteran musician
Jayantha Aravinda for his production.
Some of the traditional Nadagam melodies are included in the final
production as well. After a wide search and auditions Panchali
compromises a cast of exceptionally talented actors and vocalists.
Senaratne also stated that he wished to thank the Principal of
Susamayawardena College, Sarath Kithsiri and his wife for their support
in helping the group locate a suitable place for their rehearsals.
Panchali will be staged at the Tower Hall on October 24.
Credits
Producer: Ananda Senaratne, Director: Ananda Senaratne, Dancing
Instructor: Wasantha Kumara, Music Instructor: Jayantha Aravinda.
Cast
Priyanwada Madubashini (Panchali), Janaka Perera (Maha Raja), Sugath
Mithree (Upaka), Spensa Samaranayake (Bisawa), Shamla Rajapaksha (Purohita),
Chaminda Sisirakumara (Situ), Anjali Ishani (Situ Deviya), Janaka
Edirisinghe (Pothae Guru), Pumi Sankalya (Dariya).
Vocals
Mahesh Premakumara, Mihindu Asela, Sampath Bandara, Lasantha Indika,
Hasantha Ayush Edirisinghe, Nishanthi Fernando, Kalpana Balasooriya,
Disni Nakandala, Pushpa Ranjini, Tayuni Pushpika, Nilmini de Silva.
Music
Mahendra Gunasinghe (Maddala), Sanjaya Nandana Gunasinghe (Maddala),
Jayantha Aravinda, Anurudda (Violin), Arangalla (Sraj\Sitar), Wathsala
Sri Pali (Harmonium).
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