12 Angry (Wo)Men: Challenging production hits the boards
View(s):
Some of the cast members at rehearsals
Cold Theatre 7 presents Reginald Rose’s 12 Angry (Wo)Men (adapted to also be played by 12 women ) directed by Kevin Cruze at the Lionel Wendt from November 16 – 19.
For the cast, a mix of veterans, seasoned players and newcomers to Theatre 7, it has been an exhilarating experience. “The fact that we’re doing a play that’s been written for men is empowering. Adapting the text has been a unique experience,” says Sashya de Alwis.
“The fact that it was written for men makes it easier for them to show aggression using their physicality, the women’s cast have to build up a lot more emotionally and layer our emotions to achieve the same level of aggression,” says Shania Smith.
Lawyer by profession, Mahesh Senaratne in his first outing with the company plays a juror. “Kevin has been great to work with because he gives you the freedom to interpret your character, it’s definitely been a challenge to sustain the intensity especially because you are on stage for the entire show,” he says.
Says Piorina Fernando, “The period shift has affected the adaptation of the text quite a bit, right down to the terminology and manner of speaking. We have learnt a lot from our counterparts and I’m really excited to share the stage with such veterans.”
“Colombo sees a fair amount of musicals and comedies. This play is more of an intellectual and emotional journey and sustaining that energy for 1 and half hours will be a change for the audience,” says Bimsara Premaratne.
Adds Kavitha Gunasekera: “The fact that that there is no ‘lead role’ enables everyone to bring their A game. There are multiple opinions and they all matter. Personally it has taught me that even if you say a few words but if it’s said convincingly and believably, it can make a difference.”
Biman Wimalaratne who comes off the successes of Divorce Me Darling, Taming of the Shrew and Return of the Ralahami says that Kevin has been a very interesting director. “His exercises really help to understand the characters and makes the rehearsals more fluid. I also think it’s cool and very challenging for the girls because they have to explore different ways of bringing in the intensity.”
Rukshan De Soyza who has been involved with behind the scenes aspect of theatre, finally takes to the stage this time around. “It’s so different being part of the cast, at first it was difficult to keep up with everyone but it feels like it’s an open space and all contributions matter so that has helped me come a long way.”
The production has not been without its challenges. “Given the fact that this is a well known play, and it is studied not only in the dramatic aspect but also analysed in professional programmes and such, it’s been a challenge to rise to the expectations. Sharing the stage with the likes of Jerome L. De Silva and Adam (Mohamed Adamally) has been a very welcoming sort of stress,” says Anuk De Silva.
“I think Kevin is being really bold taking a play written for men and adapting it to not only modern times but to a cast of women too. The interpretations are very different and people will not expect what will be on stage,” says Mokshini Jayamanne, adding,“This play does not have any gimmicks, it is purely the acting that pulls this play through and maintaining that intensity has definitely been a challenge.”
“Personally it has been a wonderful experience for me to be able to work with this group,” says director Kevin Cruze.
Tickets are now available at the Lionel Wendt, you can also purchase them online at http://lionelwendt.org.