Theatrical presentation of ‘Ramayanaya’ through Ravana’s sister
View(s):‘Suparnaka’ to be staged in Kandy and Colombo
‘Suparnaka’, a play written and directed by Kanchuka Dharmasiri about King Ravana’s sister, will be staged at the E.O.E. Pereira Theatre, Faculty of Engineering, University of Peradeniya, on November 5 at 3.30 and 7.00 p.m. and at Namel Malini Punchi Theatre, Borella on 12 November, 3.30 and 7.00 p.m.
‘Surpanakha’ or ‘Suparnaka’, Ravana’s sister is seen as a minor character in the Ramayana and plays a marginal role even in the retellings of the story in Sri Lanka. Yet, the conflict between Rama and Ravana was ignited by an incident involving Suparnaka. Then, she disappears from thenarrative altogether while macro themes such as statehood, sovereignty, authority and social norms start dominating the plot. How would we experience the narrative of Rama and Ravana if we witnessed it through Suparnaka’s eyes? The play explores this question through a reimagining of Suparnaka’s story.
Feeling trapped and longing to know what’s beyond the boundaries of her worldthe rebellious princess dreams of riding her brother’s PushpakaVimanaor the Dandumonarayato worlds unknown. She dares to embark on a life-altering quest, where she meets two twenty-first century artists, Nimal and Janaki. Nimal lives in his fantasy world of Tahiti and Gauguin’s models while his wife, Janaki, struggles to find her footing in an art world dominated by a patriarchal outlook.
Consequently, the adventurous journey of an ancient mythical figure intersects with the contemporary consumerist, individualist life experiences in a world ravaged by violence and pollution.Will Suparnaka’s journey end here or is it just beginning?
UpekshaLankathilaka and Nayanthara de Silva play the title character of the play. Music is by N O A S and the set is designed by NadeekaHewakandambi and ChathurangaPerera.
Pics by Tharindu Lakshitha
Searching for that next furry family member but couldn’t find one in your area? Hitad.lk has the solution with our extensive listings of dogs for sale in Sri Lanka!