Take a walk in the park and catch the Bard in action
View(s):
The Workshop Players at rehearsals
As the world commemorates the 400th death anniversary of William Shakespeare, one of the leading theatre groups in the country, The Workshop Players, will present ‘Shakespeare in the Park’, a popular concept that makes Shakespeare’s performances accessible to theatre lovers from all walks of life.
Founded in the USA as a New York Shakespeare Festival, it has gained recognition and popularity in many parts of the world. The Workshop Players will be performing three plays that feature in the O level, A Level and University curricula. Jerome L. de Silva, the Artistic Director of The Workshop Players said he hoped to see it grow into an annual event.
The Bard enjoys immense appreciation in Sri Lanka, with Shakespeare’s work being studied in schools and universities, increased participation at the annual inter-school Shakespeare Drama Competition, and amateur theatre groups and schools producing public performances of Shakespeare’s plays.
Endorsing this effort, Tanya Warnakulasuriya, Arts Manager/Programmes of the British Council said, “The British Council Arts programme is committed to making the Arts accessible to everyone. So, having The Workshop Players as our new Artists-in Residence and supporting them to produce Sri Lanka’s first ever Shakespeare in the Park, is a perfect partnership for us. This is exactly how Shakespeare’s plays should be experienced.”
The three plays selected for the festival include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merchant of Venice, and Othello. While they are currently studied as texts by students of English literature, they also provide a range of genres and styles to entertain audiences.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Amayaa Wijesinghe, Lehan Thomas, Leyanvi Mirando and Tanika Fernando, will be staged on April 28 and 29. The Merchant of Venice, directed by Javin Thomas, goes on the boards on May 7 and 8, while Othello, directed by Jerome L. de Silva and Nadishka Aloysius will be performed on May 14 and 15. The cast comprises experienced actors and actresses from The Workshop Players. The plays begin at 7 p.m. and all are welcome. Entrance is free.
Cargills Ceylon PLC & Cargills Magic will be supporting this project, along with the British Council.