Examining social phobias
There’s a buzz on the stage at the Punchi Theatre as Rajitha Hettiarachchi directs the group to make their best ‘comical fear’ faces. Overhead, a sooty bare bodied boy watches them- an ominous shadow creature at the top of a multi faced slapstick frame. This month, AnandaDrama welcomes back a familiar face in their newest production – “Grease Yaka Returns”.
Pix by Indika Handuwala
Those who watched the play’s predecessor back in 2014 may find it difficult to forget the arresting piece. Directed by Ruwanthie de Chickera (who also worked on the play as one of its writers) the troupe was introduced to its first taste of devised theatre while working on the 2014 production. Like its timely title, “Grease Yaka” exposed and explored the notion of how internal fears of people can be projected to create social phobias through a myriad of complexly real characters not to forget the cackling, maniacal ‘grease yakas’ who acted more as a metaphor and tool for the play’s theme. Marrying comedy with timely issues that shadowed the political and social background of the production, the bilingual script came together only during the very end divulges Rajitha Hettiarachchi.
When Grease Yaka first shook the Lionel Wendt stage Rajitha himself was in the shoes of an elderly man, gorging himself on an eternal platter of snacks and a lethargic, unproductive lifestyle. These days Rajitha is taking on a different role. A writer behind many of AnandaDrama’s productions Rajitha is also taking the director’s reigns, together with co director and co-writer Nishantha de Silva. For Nishantha, working with Ruwanthie and a genre of theatre that was new to the group was an invaluable experience. “We were pleased with the way it turned out,” not knowing what to expect with the first run until the curtain came up. Hilariously Sri Lankan but unsettlingly real, the play sparked a dialogue among its audiences long after its curtain call. “We loved it as a production,” Rajitha remembers. It’s why they tried to bring it back as a rerun that same year.
Although they had to put their story on pause, the upcoming production promises to explore the story beyond its first ending. While the script is still a work in progress this sequel will examine the evolution of social phobias and its consequences. This production will be structurally different in comparison. “Fear is what brings people together and drives them apart” explains Nishantha. Back in 2014, it was a topic that came up numerous times during the divisive process. The success of the production they think goes back to the obvious entertainment factor and for the directors- the un- didactic nature of the play, “it was critical without being on the nose” adds Rajitha. These days, Rajith, Nishantha and the cast are researching into Sri Lanka’s recent past for their storylines. “This will be more timeless compared to the first one” explains Rajitha.
Rajitha Hettiarachchi
Since Grease Yaka’s debut four years ago, Ananda Drama has expanded into the sphere of divisive theatre. Their last successful production Picket Republic was coincidentally a devised production. “It needs to be entertaining and people need to be kept engaged throughout, while making them think about certain issues” explains Nishantha; his idea of what a good play should be. Devised theatre requires the cast’s contribution to a working script. In 2014, they opened their doors to a pool of talent outside of Ananda College. This production finds a more experienced cast ranging between the ages of 17-34 years bringing a new flavor to the production. “It is our niche” says Rajitha. But beyond their penchant for pushing the boundaries for original young dramatic work, Ananda Drama has a bigger role to play; humbly seeing ion their work a bigger responsibility towards the growth of the local theatre industry.
AnandaDrama presents Grease Yaka Returns from August17-19 at the Lionel Wendt Theater. Tickets priced at Rs. 800 (balcony) 1200, 1500, 2000, 2500 and 3000 and will be available at the Lionel Wendt