Golden jubilee for ‘Dangaya’ and “Punchi Andare”
View(s):50th Show on March 9 at Lionel Wendt
By Susitha Fernando
“Dangaya” and “Punchi Andare” duel theatrical production produced by Yashodhara Sarachchandra’s and Kusumsiri Liyanaarachchi which has reached it 50th show will go on the boards at 3:30pm and 6:30 pm on March 9 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, Colombo.
First staged on November 5, 2011 after two months of rehearsals, the two children’s plays were Kusumsiri scripted and directed the plays while Yashodhara wrote the musical score. The plays were created by the couple while they were in Australia and they were performed many times before Australian audiences. “Dangaya” and “Punchi Andare” are a fresh breath of air for parents who wants to take their children to theatres as both plays can be enjoyed by young and old alike. With colourful costumes, pleasant music and vivid choreography, the plays are a refreshing experience for any art loving audience.
“The journey has not been easy for ‘Dangaya’ and ‘Punchi Andare’” says Yashodhara, is currently following the Doctoral research programme at the La Trobe University in Melbourne. Taking the plays around the country is not an easy task yet we would love to be able to perform the show in more rural areas if possible.
“It is not an easy task to coordinate a play all the way from Melbourne. The cast members have devoted themselves to the play and they manage all the rehearsals, costumes, make-up, and stage arrangements all on their own. We are immensely proud of each and every one of them, as they have done a beautiful job without our presence,” Yashodara says.
Yashodara who is also the youngest daughter of doyen of Sri Lankan theatre, Prof. Ediriwira Sarachchandra played the role of Maname Queen in ‘Maname’ for over thirteen years. With several national awards to her name, Yashodhara has been actively involved in professional Sinhala theatre for the past thirty one years. Her husband Kusumsiri Liyanaarachchi was awarded Best Play, Direction and script for his play ‘Okkomalla Kollakala’ at the 1996 State Children’s Drama Fest.
He also received Best play, Direction and Script for his play “Sapathni’ at the 1999 State Drama festival short play category.
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