TV Times

TV Times

Shakespeare on Sinhala Stage
The Sinhala stage version of world acclaimed ‘Romeo and Juliet’ directed by Prageeth Ratnayake will go on the boards at 7.00 pm on May 21 and 22 at the Lumbini Theatre.

“The original text translated into Sinhala is made to relate the first and the second decades of 19th century and it is being produced with influences by several foreign stage and cinema productions of Shakespeare’s masterpiece” said Prageeth speaking to the TV Times.

Falling in love with the stage Prageeth started studying acting under late Dr. Solomon Fonseka while he was a Grade nine student at Isipathana College. Later he continued his studies at Drama Section of College of North West London for a few months.

Prageeth played a major role with the foreign cast and crew in the film ‘Mother Theresa’ in which most of the scenes were shot here. Prageeth has played roles in twelve teledramas including ‘Fantasy Avenue’, ‘Santhrasaya’ and ‘Kinduru Nadiya’.

“My ambition was to be an actor when I started, but to be a good actor I realized that I have to master everything”, said Prageeth. Asked about his selection of the world famous love story for his maiden production Prageeth said it was one of my dreams to produce the play Romeo and Juliet because I personally love the story. I believe that love plays a most important role in everyone’s life and I love to handle this subject” Prageeth said enthusiastically.

In the context of this economic system people don’t really love other human beings but only their materialistic possessions. The celestial position that was given and should be given to love has failed to reach today’s younger generation.

I also believe that just as for the children there should be artistic directions for the youth generation. Speaking about the production Prageeth said the work started on the Independence day of February 4 this year. We rehearsed without break for three and half months. And the cast which includes veterans and amateurs were all supportive of the effort.

Prageeth said he has started a film and theatre company ‘Romeo’s Eye Pictures’ and he has planned to do a teledrama and film by the end of this year. The cast in Romeo and Juliet are Neil Alles, Nilanthi Heendeniya, Dilip Rohana, Sujeewa Priyalal, Wathsala Ranasinghe, Asiri Samarasinghe, Lohitha Rajapakse, Dananjaya Siriwardana, Susanga Kahadarachchi and Sampath Perera.

Stage lighting is by Wasantha Kumara, make-up is by Sumeda Hewawitharana and stage management by Dilip Rohana. Translation and direction by Prageeth Ratnayake.

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