TV Times

TV Times

Karaoke comes to the theatre
"Karaoke" a different type of stage play produced by Lanka Chamara went on the boards at Namel-Malani Punchi Theatre, Borella recently. 'Karaoke' is the fist directorial effort by Lanka who had done many productions in the advertising field.

"The dream of doing a production for the stage never satisfied any of my advertisements did for television. A student of Ananda College, Lanka studied advertising for a long time starting in 1995. Having studied different areas of direction in advertising he had done a deep study on other areas like music, acting, dancing and editing which is helpful in stage and TV directions.

"Having worked as an art-director for a leading advertising company I felt it is not easy to convey a message to society that way. I thought, I must use my education and what I have gained towards Arts and my knowledge in the field of cinema, television, stage and music in a worthy manner. This will be my first step towards it" says Lanka speaking about his attempt.

"'Karaoke' is the result of all what I have studied and experienced the past ten years. While producing the drama I did the music which included composition of two songs", Lanka said.

"The play is made around a social club where this popular form of entertainment karaoke is played. There is no real Karaoke in Sri Lanka,' says Lanka."What I wanted to study in 'Karaoke' is why the people flock into these places. And it shows the desperate state of people who yearn for anything that brings them momentary happiness," stresses Lanka.

"It is this hopelessness that causes all the problems in our society," the young director said. I did this play mainly to gain experience. Though I studied about the stage for a long time doing a play was quite an amazing experience.

I was able to do lot of experiments here. For the first time I composed music and introduced Asanthi Nalika the children's teledrama 'Amabayahalouwo' famed actress to the stage and she also sang for the first time here.

In addition I am happy about the performances by others in the cast Indika Sajeewani, Dailan Abdue, Dhanushka and Upul. However Lanka says that his target in direction goes beyond stage the stage as his dream is to enter the celluloid world.

"Though I have done a large number of TV commercials and the play my final target is to do a film."

Asanthi steps on to stage
Asanthi Nalika who won the hearts of the small screen audience with her popular role as 'Napuru Maithree' in the award winning children's teleplay Sudatha Devapriya's Amba Yahaluwo plays her maiden role on the stage 'Karaoke'. In addition to acting Asanthi also renders her maiden song in this play.

Asanthi who was first introduced as a child actress now is a graduate of Madras Kalashatra Fine Arts University. Specialised in Baratha Natyam Asanthi also studied Karnatik music, Indian history and languages there. Having obtained a first class pass in her diploma she did her post graduate studies in Dancing.

At present this young actress cum skilled dancer is conducting a dancing academy titled "Asanthi Nalika Dancing Academy". Acting the lead, Asanthi also has supported the Karaoke producer Lanka in doing most of the choreography in the play.

"I studied acting under veteran acting teacher Solomon Fonseka ten years ago I did not praetice what I studied on a stage plays until Lanka persuaded me to play in Karaoke", Asanthi said.

At present I also perform in two teledramas "Vasuda" and "Samawenna Sir" and my next step is to direct a ballet in the near future.

Reminiscing about her past Asanthi says, "my performance as a child actress is still a memorable experience as even now people call me 'Napuru Maithree'".

Top