Arts
A heady cocktail of mix-ups and more mix-ups!
All in the family: Indu and his cast at rehearsals last week, and also on the cover. Pic by Amila Gamage
After the success of ‘Run for your Wife’ last year, director Indu Dharmasena returns with another Ray Cooney comedy. This time it’s ‘It Runs in the Family’, a classic British farce, a laughter-filled cocktail of mistaken identities, fabricated deaths and even a few cross dressing antics.
Indu Dharmasena takes the role of ambitious neurologist, Dr. Mortimore who is just moments away from delivering the prestigious ‘Ponsonby Lecture’ to a room full of physicians from all parts of the world. But minutes before his all-important speech, one which may possibly lead to a knighthood, his mistress from 18 years ago, walks back into his life.
When Mortimore discovers that his past philandering has resulted in him fathering a child he is shocked, and even more so when he finds out that the child is now a young man of 18, who at this very moment is demanding that he meet his father. Compelled to come up with an elaborate plan to keep his career and marriage intact, Mortimore enlists the help of his friend and colleague, Dr. Bonny. Dr. Bonny’s innocence and good-nature means that he is easily taken advantage of by Mortimore according to Abbasali Rozais, who plays Dr. Bonny.
Mortimore goes to great lengths to hide both his affair and the existence of his illegimate son from his wife Rosemary, as clearly he is afraid of the consequences if she does find out explains Indu. Sanwada Dharmasena, who plays Rosemary, describes her as firm and proper. “She reminds me of a modern-day Lady Macbeth,” Sanwada explains – her character is very supportive of her ambitious husband, yet intimidating in her own right.
Jane Tate, Mortimore’s former mistress (Sulo Perera) though annoyed by all the deception, chooses to play along. That however, doesn’t mean she makes it easy for Mortimore, as she occasionally drops a sly remark, much to Mortimore’s embarrasment.
Mortimore’s new found son, Leslie is played by Indu’s nephew, Anuk Dharmasena, who coincidentally happens to be 18 himself. Anuk confesses he couldn’t initially relate easily to Leslie, who displays a wide range of emotions throughout the play. Though it was different to the usual roles he plays, he enjoys playing the character.
Nabbed for driving under the influence and without a licence, Leslie is accompanied to the hospital where Mortimore works, by his arresting officer, Sergeant Connally. The presence of the police officer makes the situation all the more tricky for Doctors Mortimore and Bonny, who now have to draw wool over not only Leslie and Rosemary’s eyes but also the Police Sergeant’s. Sergeant Connally is played by George Cooke, who has appeared in many of Indu’s productions.
Jaliya Wijewardena takes on the role of Sir Willoughby Drake, the Chairman of the hospital. An elderly and stern character Sir Willoughby, who has the best interests of the hospital at heart, is highly concerned about Mortimore’s lecture. Especially since the junior Health Minister will be in attendance. “I have very little faith in him, and I’m on pins through out,” says Jaliya, explaining his character’s feelings towards Mortimore.
In sharp contrast is Rehan Amarathunga’s character, Dr. Connally. A jovial young doctor, he is completely unconcerned by what’s happening around him. Instead he’s engrossed with his Christmas pantomime, and when he does get involved, it’s only to take a crack at Mortimore.
Amidst all the confusion of mistaken identities an elderly patient named Bill, is dragged in. Kavinda Gunasekara, who plays Bill, explains that Bill is confused yet ecstatic to have been transfered to what he believes is his own private room and to be reunited with a lady whom he believes to be his long lost wife.
The role of the prim and proper Matron, is played by Amaya Wijesinghe, Manthika Wijewardena takes on the role of the Sister, and Sam Jayasinghe plays Dr. Bonny’s old but energetic mother.
‘It Runs in the Family’ will be on at the Lionel Wendt Theatre at 7.30 p.m. on May 19, 20 and 21. Tickets are priced at Rs 3000, 2800, 2500, 1500 and Rs 750 for balcony, and can be purchased at the Wendt.
Proceeds from the play will go to the Rotary Clubs of Colombo Metropolitan and Colombo Cinnamon Gardens for their project to refurbish the closed cancer ward at the CCC Foundation transit home for cancer patients.