The curtain falls on an inspiring thespian
Around 1978/79, Vinodh Senadheera walked through the gates of S. Thomas’ College like every other 4 – 5-year-old on their first day of school. Vinodh’s relationship with the school by the sea however, didn’t come to a full stop after his school life ended. Over the last 40 years, his name became synonymous with S. Thomas’, from being a gifted student to vibrant director and beloved teacher. On Wednesday, January 18, the news of his sudden death aged 45 after suffering a heart attack earlier that morning plunged the school community and Colombo’s theatre circles into mourning.
Vinodh (third from left) doing what he loved best: Directing a school drama
These past few decades, no theatre or musical production at S. Thomas’ College was complete without Vinodh buzzing around. A pillar of the arts at STC, his many roles in the College included being Precentor of the Chapel of the Transfiguration, Choral Director and Director of the English Drama Society.
Music and theatre flourished under Vinodh’s guidance with notable productions such as ‘The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe” and their winning production of “Taming of the Shrew” at the Shakespeare Drama Competition (2011).
Vinod was also Head of the Sixth Form and Performing Arts at Colombo International School and directed the productions of the Combined Theatre Company.
Vinodh’s passion for the arts blossomed early. Veteran director Jith Peiris recalls the first time he caught his attention. “I remember him very well,” Jith describes the small boy in the choir who came up to him after a service organised by the Old Boys’ Union, with his mother in tow. His thirst for learning was evident even then. “He wanted to know if he could come to me for classes.” With a few Lower School productions already under his belt, Vinodh shone with potential, says Jith.
Since that meeting, Vinodh was always close at hand whenever Jith was busy with a production – either on stage as a performer or behind the scenes as stage manager. His love for teaching and learning was only second to his love for theatre and literature. Jith remembers the concentration he put into every detail. “He used to take his own notes” on almost everything. His focus combined with his genuine desire to further and foster artistic education will be his legacy, Jith adds. Offstage, Vinodh the friend, was as devoted to those he was with as much as he was to his work.
In addition to the theatrical arts, another of Vinodh’s interests was the culinary arts. Jith recalls that when he suffered a stroke almost 15 years ago, Vinodh would bring him meals daily for almost six weeks, all cooked by the thespian himself.
When well-known singer Rohan de Lanerolle first met Vinodh, it was also in the STC premises. Having joined Mount from S. Thomas’ Preparatory School, Rohan was encouraged to act in the Inter-House Drama Competitions. It was as a member of the school drama circle that Rohan first met the introverted senior with a flair for theatre and determination for perfection. “Vinodh was very different back then,” Rohan reminisces. But his soft-spoken demeanour did not hinder the young actor’s talent and in 1992, the cast of S. Thomas’- Rohan and Vinodh included, went on to win the first place at the All Island Shakespeare Drama Competition for their take on “The Taming of the Shrew” with Vinodh carrying away the coveted Best Actor’s award for his performance as the titular Shrew.
Vinodh will be missed in the literary scene
Watching him evolve from his senior in school, to director and then teacher “he changed tremendously” says Rohan. Known for his unorthodox approach to teaching and legendary temper, many were the times Vinodh used to lose his cool with Rohan and the others as a young director.
Vinodh passed down a wonderful focus and old school values to countless young minds that were enriched by his knowledge and experience, says Rohan. One trait that stood out was his concern for others. As a schoolboy travelling to and from Panadura for long and late drama practices, Rohan remembers how Vinodh arranged for accommodation for Rohan at school. “It was one of the best periods of my life,” he recalls of his time living at school. The director’s sharp eye was not limited to the stage. His kindness and concern even forged a connection between him and the parents of his students.
For younger thespians such as Lihan Mendis, the loss of Vinodh leaves a massive void in the Thomian drama and music circles. Lihan, a young but established actor and director had dabbled in theatre while studying at S. Thomas Prep but it wasn’t until he was in Grade 12 at S. Thomas’Mount Lavinia that a drama workshop changed the way he looked at the performing arts. “I was told that he (Vinodh) was an intimidating person,” Lihan recalls, saying he walked into the workshop not knowing what or who to expect. He left with a new interest in acting. “Here was a man who gave us the freedom to act,” respecting and encouraging the boys to experiment with their acting with minimum character direction.
Becoming the President of the school Drama Society allowed Lihan to work closely with Vinodh. “His work ethic was unparalleled,” he says and this benefited any youngster who worked with him. As Lihan went from student to co-director in plays such as The Lord of the Flies (2018) “it was a dream to work with him.” Vinodh allowed Lihan to exercise his creative licence with the respect not of a teacher but of a peer – “he even paid for my transport and food out of his own pocket” remembers Lihan of his mentor.
Vinodh’s final days too were spent doing what he loved most- rehearsing with the young Thomians.