Enjoying every minute
With a memorable performance as Shakespeare’s ‘helicopter parent’ -the mouthy and nosy Polonius, played by the dynamic Lakshitha Edirisinghe secured the award for Best Supporting Actor.
Lakshitha receiving his award
Lakshitha’s acting resume is a mix of school and public performances, and a hodgepodge of characters. He joined the Ananda College Drama Circle in 2011, going on to become the Secretary. Since his initiation to the club he and his schoolmates have received the chance to work with established names in theater – from their regular directorial trio Nishantha de Silva, Ishtartha Wellaboda and Rajitha Hettiarachchi to Thushara Hettihamu and Ruwanthie de Chickera.
Polonius, devised by the Bard to add some comic relief to the play, with his wit and one-liners allows actors to experiment with this character – either as a devoted father or a ruthless politician.
Lakshitha stood out with his interpretation of Polonius in the natural interaction and chemistry he shared with Hamlet (played by Thilina Udayaratne).
Although it left an impression of a memorable relationship Lakshitha admits that the journey leading to this was tumultuous. “Initially the chemistry was messy” he laughs, adding that he and Thilina had to work religiously together to get it right.
The secret to his character he confesses was “juggling concepts”. The challenge of building and bringing out dynamics in personality and relationships had the cast and directors constantly “pushing me to lighten up,” Lakshitha laughs. His biggest challenge- to be or not to be, “too funny” he shares.
He has kept a consistent track record, participating in the competitions from 2011 onwards. His previous roles include “Flavius” in Ananda’s first win at the 2014 Shakespear e Competition for their adaptation of “Timon of Athens”. “Drama is a place to have fun,” he says as he talks about his drama family and its noncompetitive atmosphere.
Recounting his winning performance he muses “When you perform you never know if you have done justice to the role,” saying “feedback from others works for me”.
Lakshitha says to young thespians taking part at Shakes to keep in mind “You represent your name and your school.” However, “taking part is a valuable opportunity.” Adding – the 30 minutes on stage should be “enjoyed”.
