Playwright turned prolific actor
Talented actor and playwright Bibishana Kurera has been rewarded for years of hard work and dedication to the theatre and cinema by being given a prominent role in internationally acclaimed filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage’s controversial film ‘The Court is silent’ or ‘Usawiya Nihadai’ which is now being screened.
In this documentary film, allegedly based on a story where a judge sexually abuses the wife of a suspect produced before his court, Bibishana plays the crucial role of the devastated and incensed husband. The film records the husband’s version at an inquiry conducted by a panel of judges, and Bibishana successfully portrays the husband’s complete dejection and protest against a corrupt judicial system.
Commenting on Bibishana’s acting, veteran writer Kathalene Jayawardene noted in her recent review that the credit for the ‘miracle’ of keeping the viewer glued to a documentary film for almost one hour, should be divided among filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage, cinematographer M. D. Mahindapala, music director ‘K’and actor Bibishana Kurera.
The renowned writer comments on how Bibishana, in his very first main role in a film, has proved his ability to take up any challenging role.
“It was a complex character of a man who was devastated and disgusted about the entire system of governance and law and order. I’m glad that many appreciated my role,” Bibishana said about his performance in the film. He was glad that popular actor Ranjan Ramanayake and other film personalities like Sunil T Fernando and Tissa Nagodavithana too, have appreciated his performance.
A former student of St Joseph’s college, Negombo, Bibishana made his first theatrical appearance playing in nativity and passion plays organised in churches.Negombo, famous for its religious piety, arts and culture is known as ‘Little Rome’ and offered many opportunities for budding artistes like Bibishana.
His first appearance in a national drama was in ‘Dik Dakna,’ a play produced by the Colombo University in 1999. In 2004 he scripted, directed and produced the stage play ‘Pashana Warsha’ and it got selected to the final round of the State Drama Festival. This followed stage plays ‘Numba Mama saha Eya’ (You, Me and She) and ‘Thawath Minihek’ in 2005 where he established himself as a versatile actor. Bibishana’s next step was to produce his own play ‘Local Gamini’, and it won five awards including best play at the Rukmani Devi Felicitation theatre festival.
Bibishana made his first appearance in cinema as an additional cast member in Prasanna Vithanage’s ‘Ira Mediyama’ (August Sun). This followed a few other films like ‘Suriya Arana’, ‘Samanala Thatu’ and ‘Akasa Kusum’. He played a prominent role in ‘Wehi Dawasa’ directed by Badraji Mahinda Jayatilake, a film which is yet to be released.
Having realized Bibishana’s talent scriptwriter and writer Lucian Bulathsinghala invited him to perform in his one episode teleplay ‘Madona Watha’ where Bibishana played alongside acclaimed actor Tony Ranasinghe. “To act with Tony Ranasinghe was a dream come true for me,” says Bibishina with a smile of great satisfaction. Later he joined ‘Kadadora’ a serialised teleplay directed by Rajiv Ananda.
Bibishana expressed his gratitude to Prasanna Vithanage and Daminda Madawela for having faith in his talent and providing him the opportunity to play in the film.