The very first tele-direction on Sri Lankan folktales, ‘Mehew Rate’ is now being telecast every Saturday at 7.30 pm belt on ITN.
Directed by award winning teledrama maker Thusitha de Silva, this single episode teledrama series is scripted by veteran script writer Somaweera Senanayake.
Following the success of ‘Paramitha’, a teleserial based on Jathaka stories, Thusitha ventured into the novel idea of making visual images of both well-known and little known folktales in Sri Lanka.
“A best way to know about a country and its society is the folktales that are in that culture. Folktales are part and parcel of its people and their way of living,” Director de Silva said speaking about his direction.
‘Folktales are a reflection of social, economic and cultural background of a country’ he said describing the 26-one-episode miniplay serial.
‘Mehew Rate’ comprise of a few folktales that are known by everyone and a large number of others which are well known provincially. “We made it a point to include folktales that have the provincial touch and which give a reflection of different provinces like Sabaragamuwa, up country and low country,” Thusitha added. ‘Sometimes people think that some of the stories in the folktales are based on superstitious beliefs but there are great scientific truths behind them’ Thusitha said.
The miniplay targets the child audience and the Ministry of Education has given permission to promote it among children. “We have organized a quiz competition to children from which the winners are offered air tickets to Thailand,” the director said.
The teledrama serial is played by Suminda Sirisena, Grace Ariyawimal, G. R. Perera, Anuruddhika Padukkage, Daya Tennakoon, Lal Kularatne, Susila Kottage, Janaka Kumbukge, Anton Jude, Sandun Wijesiri, Ravindra Yasas, Saman Hemaratne, Ananda Athukorale and Rathna Sumanapala in the stellar cast.
In the technical team Rohana Hewawitharana handled the art direction while Chathurika Fonseka edited and Thisara Thulwan directed the camera and Kamini Rajapaksa is the production executive for Creative Circle Lanka Pvt Limited.
The teledtrama serial is sponsored by SANASA Development Bank and the director expressed his gratitude to Dr. P. A. Kiriwandeniya, the head of Sanasa.
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