Stage review:

Janalayen Paninnada: a refreshing experience

Channa Bandara WIJEKOON

A surge of tremendous enthusiasm is shown by young dramatists in the country at present. A revival in the sphere of drama seems to be taking place after a long slumber.

The new genre of local dramatists seem to be seriously thinking of coming out with their own creations rather than confining to translations of Shakespeare, Brecht and so on and so forth. Thus the productions by these newcomers showcase budding talent and philosophy nurtured within them.

Recently I had the privilege of watching a brand-new stage drama ‘Janalayen Paninnada’ at the Tower Hall. The drama is directed by Danushika Nayana Kumari, a graduate of Kelaniya University and the script is written by the popular dramatist Thumindu Dodantenna. The cast comprises Kelaniya University undergrads.

Besides winning many awards and accolades at the 2011 national drama festival, the drama has already caught interest of a cross-section of viewers in Colombo and suburbs, a growing momentum. Janelayen Paninnada takes the viewer through a journey where a very different perspective of a ‘could be’ common occurrence in the lives of university students is shown. The free acting style adapted by the makers is in perfect harmony with the theme and gives much credibility to the storyline and its flow.

The first scene unfolds on stage, three curvy damsels (University students) sharing a room in a boarding house waking up from a good night’s sleep, is no wonder a treat for the eyes of the viewer.

With their eventual interaction with peers and the concurrent events taking place in the vicinity of the university and boarding house, a heartwarming story is unfolded on stage. The story has in abundance elements of true friendship, love, romance, deception and betrayal and of course humor. The dialogues are powerful, appropriate yet polite. The student leader (played by Thumindu) entangled in a love mishap and at the same time providing leadership to an honorable cause, is mind boggling to watch. His portrayal of the character could be kept on a high standard. Interaction between the three roommates (girls) brings out humor many a time, though the drama is not made in the light comedy mould.

The character of Waruni played by Prasadini Atapattu carries elements of women discrimination in the society. She does justice to the character while maintaining its integrity. Her singing prowess too must be commended. Apart from acting, she could also try her luck in Opera singing.

Although Thumindu has taken the popular subject of university students and their troubles to sketch his script, he has added philosophy into the storyline subtly to talk to the minds of audience. Four Tamil undergrads taken into custody and their Sinhala counterparts teaming up to rescue them is truly emotional to watch. It is surely food for thought.

The Sinhala student (Waruni’s roommate) desperately trying to communicate with her ‘unseen’ Tamil friend Radhini of a distant location over the mobile-phone at a crucial moment, brings humor to the scene while communicating a strong message to masses.

The language barrier which separates Sinhala and Tamil speaking communities in the country is highlighted in this scene. Distortion in the mobile-phone line would have been deliberately used by Dhanushika to further highlight this communication gap.

The irony of the situation projects the core message of the drama, communal harmony. Though this subject is discussed significantly in the drama, the script not unfolding the socio-political attributes contributed towards this grave situation over the decades is a weakness. Three cheers must go to Danushika for directing the drama so well to keep the audience intact at all times. The message is communicated without interruption in the midst. The backdrop of window (Janelaya) would have been deliberately used toposition the story with its theme-line, ‘Janelayen Panninnada’.

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