Chaos in the city

Aponsu brings new drama after 10 years:

Ruwini Jayawardana

What would happen if the highly appealing comedian of the era Jayasekara Aponsu, is reborn as a rural farmer and visits the city? Whatever incidents that take place, one thing is for sure - the action is sure to keep you rolling in your seats with laughter.

That is exactly a dose of what awaits you as Aponsu’s latest stage play, Kira, takes to the stage at Elphinstone Theatre on July 5 at 7 p.m. The comedy play follows

after a 10 year lapse after his last production This Deka (Thirty-Two). Meanwhile his highly successful stage drama Thatu is still showing at theatres island-wide.

“The story centers on Kiribanda, a villager, who ventures to the city. He is awestruck by the glitz and glamour and the ‘strange’ habits and lifestyle of the city dwellers. Though he was bewildered at first he gradually picks up some of the traditions and tries to become a part of the city community.

However his happiness is short lived as he realizes the value of village life,” Aponsu explained on the theme behind his latest stage production.

The cast is lead by Aponsu who also wrote the script of the play. Students of his art educational academy, Shilpa Kala Guru Sevana will take on the rest of the roles. Mahinda Karunaratne, Rukshi Gamage, Anura Perera, Dilini Niroshika, Ranjith Ruwanwella, Wasantha Kasthuriarachchi, Gayan Mapalagama, Nihal Bandara, Lakshman Fernando, Keerthji de Silva, Saman Himbuta, Nayanathara Upananda, Nadeeka Hettiarachchi and Premila Madhushani play significant roles in Kira which includes a musical number, the twisted version of Sunil Shantha’s Handapane, to evoke irony against the once popular trend of songs being rapped with slightly different lyrics.

“This trend caused great harm to the local music scene and its popularity was short lived as it had noting of value to offer to the public. However it is a pity that such useless trends emerge and gain popularity even for a few days. Kira is a slight against such trends embedded in the city.

It shows that modernization does not necessarily mean a better means of living,” he said. The music is by Jayantha Rathnayake and Wasantha Dukkganarala had penned the lyrics. Make up is by Gamini Costa and Siril Gamage is in charge of the sound effects.

Speaking to Daily News ‘Art and Soul’ on launching a drama after 10 years, the gifted actor cum director noted, “We are established in this sector so there is already an audience who are vying to watch our productions.

“Problems arouse in bringing them into theatre when the security situation in the country was not healthy. As terrorism is eliminated the path for art to prosper seems clear. People are eager for entertainment.”

Speaking about the technological side of the stage production he said that the lighting techniques differ from his past productions.

Aponsu said, “I have my own style in making a stage play and theatergoers are familiar with the technique. I serve my messages through this method and there is always something that triggers your mind once you have enjoyed the play.”

Focusing on the point of taking his creations to areas across the country, the seasoned actor said that issues arise in transportation.

“We are compelled to price tickets at a higher rate as transportation costs a lot of money. If the authorities and Government take note of this fact and provide a relief scheme, I am sure we would be able to stage the show at a lower rate. The public close to villages are especially eager to see stage plays but it is a pity that most of the halls lack even the minute facilities. They are in dire need of renovation,” he said.

He had also directed and penned the script of a comedy series named ‘Madam Shoba’ which is waiting for a small screen slot. Here again he plays the role of a hostel matron though, he says, that the character is quite different from the one he portrays in Thatu.

“Girls from wealthy families whose parents are abroad have been left under Madame Shoba’s care. These girls are full of mischief and Madame Shoba is unknowingly roped into their schemes,” he added while stating that the series is produced by Rashhmi Sneha.