Indu’s Chaos by SMS once again, bringing more laughter
Back by popular demand: Indu and cast (above and below) at the performance of Chaos by SMS last year
Once again it’s time for Ram Sewalagala to send the wrong SMS to the 13 girlfriends in his“Little Black Book” contact group. His planned ‘dirty weekend’ at the estate bungalow which was really reserved for Nelum, his latest fling, is all ruined when three women in the group having received the SMS turn up for the romantic rendezvous as Ram in vain tries to cover up the situation with more lies.
Who hasn’t sent a wrong SMS at some point, playwright, Indu Dharmasena says laughing, describing the play as light entertainment. Indu defines the whole situation in the play as a commonplace experience in our day-to-day lives.
“Chaos by SMS” is back by popular demand. First staged in November last year, the play was an instant hit with audiences. “The response to the play had been very positive last time; the audience who missed it was constantly asking for a repeat,” said Indu, explaining the return of the play.
Sanwada Dharmasena is back in the role of Gladys Vandabona, the housekeeper of Ram’s estate bungalow and says the latest production will see better characterization and focus more on improving subtlety and the delivery of lines. “It is more like fine-tuning the play to make it better than the last time,” Sanwada adds.
‘A real Romeo’: Indu as Ram amd Kamanthi Wickramasinghe as Nelum. Pix by Indika Handuwala
Indu takes the role of Ram Sewalagala, a spoiled young man who appeals to all types of women. “Ram is a real Romeo,” Sanwada laughs.
The cast of eight is the same as the last time with the exception of Sanjana Selvarajah who takes the role of Sepalika, one of the three “Black Book” women, previously played by Manuka Wijesinghe. Sanjana joins “Chaos by SMS” after a hiatus of four years since she last appeared in one of Indu’s plays. “Having seen the play before I think it is hilarious!” Sanjana says.
The other two women are played by Kamanthi Wickramasinghe and Saneesha Ramanayake who portray Manel and Nelum.
Ram’s uncle, Edward Pinnawala is played by Jaliya Wijewardene, and Abbasali Rozais takes on the role of Rex Waligoda while Anushan Selvarajah plays Dr. Pradeep Silva.
“Chaos by SMS” will go on the boards on May 11, 12 and 13 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre at 7.30 p.m. Tickets priced at Rs.2000, Rs.1500, Rs.1000 and Rs.750 (Balcony unreserved) will be available at the venue or can be purchased via www.lionelwendt.org.
The show on May 12 will be in aid of the Christ Church, Kotte with the proceeds being donated for the renovation of the parish hall.