‘Gotaimbara Kolama’; A play and a ritual
View(s):‘Gotaimbara Kolama’ a novel theatrical experience written and directed by young playwright Dennis Perera will be presented as an open air performance at the Sri Lanka Foundation at 7 pm on August 15. Starring Nilanka Dahanayaka, Nino Araliya, Amila Sandaruwan, Danushka Dias, Pradeep Ramanayaka, Dilum Buddhika and Sankha Jayalath the play is sponsored by the Sunera Foundation.
Dennis Perera
Presented as a traditional Shanthikarma, the play would be performed in open air spaces creating an alternative platform for theatre. “This is a combination of ritual and drama and at the same time is neither a ritual nor a drama,” says Dennis Perera, the director.
“There is a theatre loving audience that has given up the traditional theatre. It is not that they are fed up with dramas but are lazy to go there,” Dennis said. “We see that there are alternative platforms like political parties or places where religious sermons are given,” said Dennis describing his novel concept.
In his drama Dennis is to question the racist mindset that had led to many problem over Sri Lankan history. He argues that there cannot be pure culture without combining and enriching by other cultures. A student of President’s College Maharagama, Dennis has studied cinema and theatre in universities and institutes and his maiden stage play ‘Thathtagatha’ was selected for the final rounds of the Youth Drama Festival 2007. He has directed a number of documentary and short films and his maiden feature film ‘The Three-wheeler diaries’ is to be released soon.
Behind the screen of ‘Gotaimbara Kolama’ are Amila Sandaruwan as music director, Milindu Randika, Chathura Dasanayaka as set designers, Thisara Imbulana as costume designer and Thisara Bandara as set manager. Lighting of the play is done by Magic Lantern.
