Ex comedian talks on:

Need for Art School

Sachitra Mahendra

A man who still counts on stage plays is hard to come by now with the invasion of the screen. That clan slowly grows over the hill and only a few in the modern camp care about the legacy. Sisil Gunasekara belongs to that rare clan and for that matter Daily News Art & Soul decided to share his emotions and ideals.

Sisil’s stage enthusiasm was baptized by the magic light, Puduma Lampuwa which was shown island-wide. This was to be followed by many plays such as Wadamaarachchi and Prana Epakaru based on ‘One Servant and Two Masters’ an Italian play he co-directed with Bandula Withanage.

The Government of Italy was impressed with his work of art and handed in a cash award as a token of gratitude; ironically the then local Cultural Ministry did not seem to have an inkling about this.

“We could screen 14 shows back to back at the John de Silva Theatre. It was a rare surprise to me at a time when everybody used to say the stage play is on the ropes.”

Speaking to Sisil brings you back to late 1980s. Most of his creations kept on raking in crowds in thousands but his was a path full of thorns. Sisil didn’t care a heck about what stood on his way, but what happened to him at the Youth Council was a heavy blow enough to let him down.

“We had a crowd of about 5000. Suddenly the Chairman ordered the place to be vacated and his argument sounded quite funny. He had thought that the place would be damaged when it was too crowded. Nobody could talk him round that it brings income. He turned out as a real fusspot as any official could be.”

By then Sisil had marked his name. Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando wanted him as the Consultant in the Ministry and this was a good break for the talented actor.

Now settled in Australia busy with his job commitments, Sisil nevertheless toys with his pet subject - stage play.

“I keep on studying the stage. It fascinates me and I want to be in a bullet position someday.”

Sisil was an individual who wished to venture into new areas. His play on Nelson Mandela got him a personal note of appreciation from the former South African President. His quest started in England, from where he moved to America until he reached his destination in Australia.

“I felt so sorry about our artistes, with my experience in the field for over 20 years. English people highly respect directors and artistes. Most of our artistes do not have a proper knowledge to earn that reputation. This is because we do not have enough facilities to develop more talent.”

“Sri Lanka needs at least one theatre school. We can outsource the funds,” suggests Sisil, “and at the same time we can have both local and foreign instructors. The theatre school can be set up in either Galle or Kandy. If you watch ‘Derana Little Star’, you will realise how talented our little citizens are but we need one good school to channel their talents properly.”

Sisil has many teachers, but no particular one. Anybody can contribute to the arts field, if only they have their commitment right. Sisil has that commitment. When experts saw the stage on the ropes, he could prove them otherwise by reversing the trend.

“I make plays for people, not for awards. I cannot sit back with the audience and be happy with myself. I am concerned about audience’s requirement. I keep on changing my plays until it suits the audience, but, of course, with my own reservations,” he adds.

Sisil keeps on searching what people require. They still demand comedies, but most of them do not strike him as sensible.

“I have seen local channels flooded with comedies. Most of them are either copied or they don’t have a sense in the least. The making of a serious comedy is tougher then drafting a normal stage play. You have to think in terms of the audience,” he notes.

No question about it, most of the comedy artistes are skilled, but they require training. No wonder people prefer comedies, especially when they are fed up with the daily chores. He brings out the names of the famous comedy trio: Berty, Annesley and Samuel.

“Joe Abeywickrama is one of our best actors. He handles both comedy and serious roles with mastery. They had no school to learn, because they were born with the talent. From the present generation, I see Jagath Chamila as one such skilled actors.”

Sisil recollects his experiences with Australian Citizenship exam.

“It was almost a piece of cake because I am interested in Australian history: the Aborigines. I need to find out about the world’s first inhabitants, whether they are Aborigines or our Veddahs. I am thinking about making a documentary of that.”

Sisil Gunasekara is a busy body with his job in Australia, yet he finds time for studies.

“It’s a matter of proper management. If you work a right schedule even the 24 hours will be more than enough. Our military victories are the best example for this. We can now see the end of a war that lasted over 25 years within a year or so. It’s because of the proper time management.”

Although he was forced to leave the country, Sisil still loves his motherland.

“Looking back now I feel I have betrayed C W W Kannangara who left us the right of free education. We turned our backs to the very same education we enjoyed free of charge. I wish I could stay here, but circumstances did not let me. In fact I am indebted to this country.”

Sarasavi Ru Siri photographic exhibition

Gamini Gunasekara

Sarasavi Ru Siri, the second photographic exhibition by Gamini Gunasekara will be held at the Anatomy Department of the University on March 26 at 10 p.m. The Vice Chancellor of the University, Harischandra Abeygunawardena will grace the opening ceremony. The welfare society of the faculty of Medicine will sponsor the event.

Gamini is a National Photographic Association diploma holder and is a member of ANAPSL. He is also an active member of the Society of Photography in the Hill capital and had taken part in many national as well as international exhibitions.

He had won a number of accolades in photographic competitions. The exhibition which will showcase around 100 photographs taken in the University premises will be open to the public on March 27 form 9 a.m. To 5 p.m. Entrance free.

Hiru brings ‘The Amazing Rays’

Anuradha Abeysekara

‘The Amazing Rays’, an evening with Hiru is a musical evening organised by the popular band ‘Hiru’ to mark their 14th anniversary. The concert will be staged at SLBC’s Ananda Samarakoon multi studio on March 28 at 6 p.m.

“We have put ‘The Amazing Rays’ together to pay our gratitude to the local audience, fans and well wishers who have been with us for the past 14 years,” said band leader Manjula Martis.

Hiru is an eight member musical troupe with a female vocalist who performs a blend of musical styles. Although the group is famous for its performance of the songs of 60s and 70s they have also taken up some of the well loved film songs from the 80s and 90s. Reflecting on the upcoming event Manjula said that the team will perform tacks in five languages: Sinhala, Hindi, Tamil, English and Spanish.

“We hope it will add some variety and make a common platform for a multi cultural musical experience. I am sure it will be a success. We chose a variety of songs with care as we hope to provide the audience with an experience which will last them for a lifetime,” he elaborated.

One of the special features in connection with ‘Hiru’ is the percussions they use for their concerts. Kongo drums, Bongas, Latin, African and Sri Lankan traditional drums are a part of their gig and adds a touch of novelty to the songs.

Reflecting on the band’s future Manjula was confident regarding the band’s popularity and survival.

“We hope to launch more original compositions as two of our originals, Sirisambudu pahasin and Sooryaprabhaswara are telecasting in TV and receiving positive response. Encouraged by this prospect the group hopes to release their maiden song album after the concert.

‘Hiru’ has performed in many leading hotels in the country and they hope to proceed with this matter even in the future. The band’s ability to perform to the Western beat while keeping pace with the Oriental gave them the opportunity to cater to audiences from diverse streams.

‘Hiru’ is led by Manjula along with Duminda, Mahesh, Prathap, Indika, Prabhath, Nuwan and vocalist Dushanthi. Most of them are employed as full time musicians.

“We would like to give some of our fans the chance to see the program live at the studio. you can contact us on 0714100888 and who knows, you might be one among the lucky handful,” Manjula concluded with a smile.

Sannasgala’s ‘Cowboy Town’ launched

Upul Shantha Sannasgala’s debut cinema script ‘Cowboy Town’ was launched at the National Library and Documentation Services Auditorium on March 19. Experienced scriptwriter and director, former Chairman of the National Film Corporation Tissa Abeysekera was the chief guest on the occasion.

Veteran Film Director Prasanna Vithanage, actress Damayanthi Fonseka and media personaity Saman Wickremaarachchi were the guests of honour.

Tissa Abeysekera said Upul Shantha has contributed immensely to Sri Lankan film industry specially at a time when it is struggling to survive with the global financial recession.

Citing examples he said Upul Shantha produced the internationally award winning film Tani Tatuwen Piyabanna which was directed by Asoka Handagama.

Sannasgala started his film career as a young village lad from Badulla with a humble beginnings. His first stage play was Goni Billa.

He was thoroughly discouraged by many popular dramatists at that time but with sheer determination and love for the film industry has made him a prominant film pesonality. Upul Shantha being an ardent reader of the popular film paper Sarasaviya was the only link with the actors and actresses whom he dreamt to work hand in hand one day.

His first novel Nethra was also based on his younger days, his dreams and aspirations to explore the silverscreen. However Saman Wickramaarachchi in his speech recalled how he used to criticize the novel Nethra in his columns. Tissa Abeysekera also identified Sannasgala as a multi-talented personality who has excelled as a teacher, lyricist, novelist and film producer.

“The correct usage of the Sinhala and English languages is on the decline. At a time like this Upul Shantha Sannasgala’s craftmanship to handle the language with ease is all the more important.”

-AG

‘A Driver for Vera’ at Russian Centre

English subtitled Russian Film ‘A Driver for Vera’, will be screened at the Russian Centre on March 28.

Set against the backdrop of the stunning Black sea Cliffs, Chukhrai experiments with the manifestation of both political and personal psychosis through the filters of action, politics, sex, illness, murder, pregnancy and most importantly: driving, Victor is, after all first and foremost a chauffeur.

He is transferred to the Crimea, under the pretense that he will be General Serov’s driver, but ends up serving as Vera’s personal escort.

The film opens as Viktor photographs himself in various narcissistic poses against his meticulously polished black car to the tune of a merry Italian pop song.

A driver for Vera directed by Pavel Chukhra, colour, starring Igor Petrenko, Alena Babenko, Bogdan Stupka, Andrei Panin. For further details please call on 2685429/2685440.

Mathru Pooja from Sarath

Renowned vocalist Sarath Weerasinghe who had enthralled music lovers with his melodious tunes will hold a concert, Mathru Pooja at the Sanasa Theatre, Veyangoda, on March 29 at 4 p.m.

The musician who had gifted many well loved songs like Me Athbavayae, Obai Obey Sina Podai, Hichchi Nage, Ridi Handa and many more for nearly three decades will take part in the show along with his family members.

The musical evening is held as a tribute to those who had helped him in the field and the artiste hopes to felicitate 25 people who had contributed to his success.

In addition he hopes to relaunch his Rasaki Aadarae CD which was previously launched at Sudharshi Hall, Colombo. Entrance free.

Art and craft sales exhibition

An Art and Craft Sales and Exhibition will be held at the Theertha Red Dot Gallery from March 28 to April 5, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. the creations of Anoli Perera, Anura Krishantha, Bandu Manamperi, Gemunu Withanage, Jagath Weerasinghe, Jananda Laksiri, Janani Cooray, Koralegedara Pushpakumara, Lakisha Niwanthi, Lalith Manage, Neranjala Gunasinghe, Nishantha Rukmal, Pala Pothupitiye, Pradeep Chandrasiri, Pradeep Thalawatta, Prasanna Ranabahu, Sanath Kalubadana, Sarath Kumarasiri, Sarath Premasinghe, T.H. Pushpakumara, Thisath Toradeniya and Vijitha Bandara will be on display. For further details call 0773 862205

Books launch

Janapriya Jayasinghe’s latest Sinhala Novel Sandaganavi will be launched at Dayawansa Jayakody Book Exhibition Hall, Ven. S. Mahinda Mawatha, Colombo 10, March 24 at 10 a.m.

Jayasinghe is the author of Amuthu Mama, Purangana Vasthuva, Beauty, Gemba, Varadi Velave Hamuvu Hari Miniha, and Ada Sanda Rathriya.

The book is a Dayawansa Jayakody Book Publication.

Samudra Vetthasinghe’s newest books Daduru Kala Siyapatha and Ananda Mithree Mahanahimiyenge Apkrakata Lipi will be launched at Hall A of the BMICH on March 25 at 3 p.m. Ven. Bellanvila Wimalaratne will chair the event while Ven. Maduluwawae Sohitha and speaker W.J.M. Lokubandara will speak.

The event will be sponsored by People’s Bank and Editor of Sunday Divaina, Gamini Sumanasekara, will conduct the proceedings.