Indu takes on political satire this time
View(s):Theatre personality Indu Dharmasena well known for his rib-tickling comedies is putting together a political satire after many years. “Maru Palanaya’ will go on the boards at the Lionel Wendt Theatre on May 22, 23 and 24 at 7.30 p.m.
Maru Palanaya, as the name suggests, revolves around the new Executive President-elect Romesh Kaylingnayake, who is trying to juggle party leaders and keep his election promise of abolishing the Executive Presidency. To make matters worse he has to deal with his cousin Vyjayanthi who has come rushing back from London, on hearing of his victory.
Whilst stating that the audience will be able to relate well to this political satire which is based on the current political developments in the country, Indu says it has been quite a long time since he directed a political satire – the last one being the ‘Real Change’ in 1997.
Emphasising that Maru Palanaya is realistic, Indu is of the view that the play will have an underlying message for the public who will be made to think, by way of satire and humour, how they should exercise their vote wisely in future elections.
Generally, political satires are well received by the local audience, he says, adding it is probably due to the fact that people enjoy being able to laugh about the things they cannot openly comment on.
“What I have noticed is, in Sri Lanka, for normal plays, you have the theatre-going crowd whereas this type of political satires even attracts others,” Indu adds.
In Maru Palanaya, Indu Dharmasena plays the role of Executive President -Romesh Kaylingnayake while Sanwada Dharmasena acts as Romesh’s cousin from London -Vyjayanthi Lanudena. The other members of the cast include Yasal Ruhunage as Nimal Kariyakarawana ( Romesh’s personal assistant), Anoop Kapukotuwa as Upul Paminillygoda ( Leader of the Marxist Alliance Party), Sashini Wakwella playing the role of Nadeeka Pamawardena ( Leader of the National Alliance Party), Ruwendi Wakwella as Upekha Madiyasooriya(Romesh’s PR Advisor), Keshiya Leitch as Trixie (Romesh’s Secretary) and Abbasali Rozais as Rohan Molagoda (General Secretary of the People’s United Freedom Front) .
Tickets priced at Rs. 2000, 1500, 1000, 600 (balcony-unreserved) will be available at the Lionel Wendt from May 12. The show on May 22 and 23 will be presented by the Kingswood Union Colombo Branch in aid of their school projects.
-Dhananjani Silva