Getting back to the roots

Professor Sarachchandra always encouraged experiments on the theatre. Back in 1956 he researched to a widespread acclaim that the local theatre has much to discover. Following his lineage, Professor Ariyaratne Athugala authored two books on theatre: ‘Ves Muhunu Haa Vishpaurushayanaya’ and ‘Maha Samayama haa Ethic Natyavedaya’.

Professor Ariyaratne Atugala hands over a copy of his book to Information and Media Minister Dr Keheliya Rambukwella. Professor Sunanda Mahendra, Jackson Anthony and Lalitha Sarachchandra look on. Pictures by Wasitha Patabendige

The two books were launched on August 16 at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute to coincide with Sarachchandra’s 16th death anniversary under the patronage of several dignitaries and artistes: Information and Media Minister Dr Keheliya Rambukwella, Sarachchandra’s wife Lalitha Sarachchandra, Jackson Anthony, Sriyantha Mendis, Channa Wijewardene, Attanayaka M Herath, Dhamma Dissanayaka, Sri Lanka Foundation Chairman Professor Ranjith Bandara, Emeritus Professors Sunanda Mahendra and Tissa Kariyawasam. Performances from a number of legendary Sarachchandra plays were played out too.

Interestingly Professor Athugala represents the university academia to which Sarachchandra belonged. It is the extension of academic research on creativity of local theatre. The two books are a combined effort to backtrack the local roots of the stage.

“Many scholars claimed that the village theatre lacked theatrical features. But it’s a myth. It had various elements. Sarachchandra unearthed them. But it didn’t come into proper light as a subject. Now as the generation that follows Sarachchandra, we must do that.” Professor Athugala voiced his opinions on Sarachchandra’s contribution to local theatre.

Added he: “When he experimented with the traditional theatre, a lot of local artistes accused him openly. Most of them could not grasp Sarachchandra’s effort. When he experimented, Sarachchandra had a rich influence such as Kabuki and Kno theatre. In Sinhabahu you hardly feel that it is opera-influenced.

Athugala’s ‘Mahasamayama’, which will be staged in December, is an attempt to extend Sarachchandra’s experiments with the local theatre.