Nalaka Vithanage’s latest theatrical production ‘Upanda Maranaya’, a serious comedy on the contemporary issues in local politics and media will go on the boards at Nawa Rangahala, Colombo.
The play handles recent developments in the media like ‘Breaking News’ culture in a lighter vein.
“In this type of serious comedy we realize that we are at last laughing at ourselves and our own weaknesses,” Nalaka said speaking to the TV Times.
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| Nalaka Vithanage |
The play with a cast of veteran and talented artistes including Amiththa Weerasinghe, Duleeka Marapana, Bandula Vithanage, Kingsley Loos, Prasad Sooriyarachchi, Ayesha Dissanayake and Upali Bandara became a ‘houseful’ in its maiden show on July 12 at Lumbini theatre, Colombo.
“It was a good response,” said Nalaka getting ready to take the play to the audience around the country.
Nalaka’s first play was ‘Rathri Bojanaya’ in 2004 based on the French play ‘Don’t Dress for dinner’ of Mark Camollte and translated by veteran playwright and actor Bandula Vithanage, Nalaka’s father. This was followed by ‘Kasi Malla’ in 2006 which was selected to last ten plays at the State Drama Festival and won a Merit award for the Best Actor.
Nalaka who did his higher studies in commerce and business studies was influenced to join theatre by his father who produced plays like ‘Merchant of Venice’, ‘Senehebara Dolly’ and ‘Romaya Gini Gani’ .
“I also closely followed dramas of British comedy playwright, Ray Cooney whose plays are famous for their word play and a fast-paced plot,” Nalaka said.
The make-up of the play is by Nimal Rajapaksa and lighting by Wasantha Kumara. ‘Upanda Maranaya’ organized by the Staff Association of the British Council will be staged at 6.30 pm August 23.
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