Rajitha returns with biannual theatre Festival
View(s):Biannual festival of theatre held with plays written and directed by well-known dramatist Rajitha Dissanayake, will be held on August 25, 26 and 27 at 7.00 pm at the Lionel Wendt Theatre in Colombo. Started in 2006 this biannual festival is conducted for the seventh time.
The festival of three plays, kick off with ‘Mata Wedi Thiyannedda’ (25 Aug.) which is being staged after a lapse of eighteen years.
Originally produced in 1999 ‘Mata Wedi Thiyannedda’ comes as a new production.
“The speciality of this script is that even after almost two decades, the story is relevant to the present socio-political context. In fact this drama is more suitable for now,” says Rajitha speaking about the play he did 18 years ago.
‘Adara Wasthuwa’, on August 26 will mark its fourth year anniversary since premiering in 2013. The play won awards for ‘Best Script’ and ‘Best Actor’ at the State Drama Festival in 2014.
When performed first ‘Adara Wasthuwa’ could not be continued for long. However the production team is planning to perform it universities and other theatres this time.
The festival ends with Rajitha’s latest play ‘Nathuwa Bari Minihek’ (Aug. 27). This performance will mark the play’s first anniversary. ‘Nathuwa Bari Minihek’ won seven State Drama awards in 2017 including awards for Best Play, Best Director, Best Script and Best Actor.
Having completed nearly 50 performances, ‘Nethuwa Beri Minihek’ marks the first anniversary and has a long list of booking till December.
The cast of the three plays comprises Dharmapriya Dias, Shyam Fernando, Nadeeshani Peliarachchi, Pasan Ranaweera, Bimsara Premaratne, Nalin Lusena, Thumindu Dodantenna, Anuradha Mallawarachchi, Charindra Chandrasena, Sajitha Anthony, Ishara Wickramasinghe Kasun Chathuranga, Devinda Wickremesinghe, Samadara Mabulage and Kasuni Kavindi.
Music for the plays is by Kapila Poogalarachchi. The lighting design is by Ranga Samarakoon, make-up by Priyantha Dissanayake.
Tickets for the festival is now available at the Lionel Wendt and are priced at Rs 1500, 1000, 800, 600 and 500 (balcony).