Shakespeare in Sri Lankan Theatre
The latest performance of ‘Premawantha Kumarayo’, Sinhala adaptation of William Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ produced by Drama and Theatre and Image Arts Unit of Kelaniya University and Academic Players theatre group will go on the boards at 3.30 pm and 6.30 pm at Tower Theatre in Maradana on February 12 and 21.
Based on a translation by Jayawathee Jayasinghe, the play which is produced by Lal Handapangoda is directed by veteran actor and theatre lecturer Priyankara Ratnayake.
Based on one of the most popular comedies of Shakespeare which was adapted to many theatrical productions and cinema, ‘Premawantha Kumarayo’ shows different class stratifications, love and adults’ opposition to love. The Sinhala play features the love stories, the music, songs, popular cinema, fashions and way of dressing that were popular in 1970s.
The February 12 show will be a dedication to JayawatheeJayasinghe who translated and produced ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ 40 years ago. February 21 show will be a performance for the final round of State Drama Festival.
‘Premawantha Kumarayo’ is played by Sajith Anuththara, Ishara Wickremasinghe, Premaratne Tennakone, Harshika Ratnayake, Dinesh Sandaruwan, Mahesh Umagiliya, Chamari Nisansala, Asanka Kodagoda, Thilini Ruwandika, Chandima Karunadasa, Lenin Liyanage, Mangala Pasquel, Yasantha Buddhika, Binari Nanditha and Sanjeewa Gunaratne.
Priyankara has earlier produced ‘Oedipus’, ‘Thatu Ewith’ and ‘Wisekariyo’.
