‘Gotaimbara Kolama’ is back
View(s):
‘Gotaimbara Kolama’ a political comedy containing diverse meanings at different tiers and produced to perform in open air theatre will be performed at 7 pm on March 18 and 19 at Sri Lanka Foundation (Near Independence Square).
Written and directed by a young film maker and playwright Dennis Perera, the paly is produced by Hippie Tribe Theatre Group where Amila Sandaruwan, Dhanuska Dias, Nilanka Dahanayeke, Nino Jayakodi, Dilum Buddhika, Pradeep Ramawickrama, Chamara Gamaathige, Thiwanka Don Ranasinghe, Chaminda Dissanayeke, Thenni Arachchige Sumudu and Shalitha Dissanayeke contribute in acting.
It’s a popularly known bold truth that the over dramatized and ultra-complex life of an average Sri Lankan whose mental universe consists of devils, goblins and demons and whose political fate is governed by planetary movements cannot be interpreted by a form of art like the current theatreplays which is deprived in contrast to the richness of his life and lacks in dramatic values.
Therefore in order to address the needs of the extensive mindset and theatrical needs of a Sri Lankan, a performance which contains a form of communication that goes beyond verbal intelligence, understanding the positioning of art in the Sri Lankan consciousnessas is an activity which is not purely a mundane one and an act which can be naturally appreciated and savoured by Sri Lankans is greatlydesired. Gotaimbara Kolama can be introduced as a result of an attempt to develop a new dramatic form and a language which caters to such identified and ignored needs.
The story line of Gotaimbara Kolama which takes the influence of ‘Kolam’ and ‘Shanthi Karma’ (ritualistic dance for curing illnesses and offers blessings) is acted out by the Nayakathuma (leader) similar to consistent character appearing in old ‘kolam’ drama and the team as a traditional ritual for the advancement and wellbeing of the country.
In the Gotaimbara nation of this story the women are infested by a mysterious disease which gives them the power to rise above men. As this disease gradually invades the country the king finds out that it’s a deed of ‘Mahasona’ (a feared local demon in the disguise of a man) who lives in the mythical island of ‘Giri’.
The king, in order to save the country goes into war with Mahasona but is unable to identify who he is until the country is on the verge of absolute disruption and chaos.
The play is enriched by the choreography of Sankha Jayalath, lighting of Dr. Chandana Aluthge, background set design of Milindu Randika and Chathura Dissanayeke, costume designs of Thisara Imbulana, production management of Anuradha Kodagoda and publicity material provided by Chandana Prasanna. The sponsorship for the play is provided by Sunethra Bandaranaike Trust.
Tickets priced at Rs.2000, Rs. 1000 and Rs. 500 are now available on www.ticketslk.com and other places like Sarasavi Nugegoda, Maharagama/ Sadeepa Bookshop Borella, Wanapeth Bookshop Dehiwala, Yamaha Music Centre, Abans Main Showroom, Colombo 3 and Cioconut Lounge, Colombo 7.
Dennis Perera