‘Mung Gen Ang’ brings Ibsen to contemporary theatre

Corruption and avarice are not alien concepts to Sri Lankan society. Neither is the inability of an individual to pursue his ideals in the face of undue public opposition. The Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, dramatised these themes a century ago in his play ‘An Enemy of the People’, and ‘Mung Gen Ang’, veteran dramatist Namel Weeramuni’s Sinhala adaptation of the play, brings them home to modern Sri Lankan society.

The whole dramatic world this year commemorated the centenary death anniversary of Ibsen who was one of the most influential playwrights of modern theatre. In April, ‘Ginnai Adarayai’ Mr. Weeramuni’s adaptation of Ibsen’s famous play, ‘Hedda Gabler’ was recognised as the best production in a festival of Ibsen’s plays in Lahore and was later performed at the Punchi Theatre in Colombo to much acclaim.

Ibsen’s plays are known for their captivating universal themes. However, Mr. Weeramuni feels that ‘An Enemy of the People’ is particularly relevant to the East. It is also a play that is easily adaptable to any society, he says. Mung gen Ang’ has been skilfully modified to our contemporary local culture, with all characters and settings being transformed into Sri Lankan ones with everyday colloquial dialogue. The basic plot remains the same, while highlighting two of the most pressing issues we face – garbage and water pollution.

The story focuses on two brothers – one is the Mayor of Colombo and the other is a Doctor, who is employed by the Mayor to be in charge of Public Health. The Doctor discovers that the miraculous springs in the Labugama reservoir which attract many tourists to the country, are actually contaminated by a garbage dump nearby. In his effort to educate the public and clean up the water supply, Dr. Mahathanthila runs into political cowards, unprincipled journalists and a gutless population which is bound by public opinion rather than what is right. Thus the title of the play – ‘Mung Gen Ang’- how an entire society is turned into fools.

The well-meaning doctor fails in his mission because the local democratic processes are quite cynical and powerful people prevent him from getting his information to the citizens. He is publicly labelled an enemy of the people, and he and his family are all but driven out of the city he was trying to save.

The blustery doctor’s role is to be played by Rizwan Mohomed and the audience will be treated to a performance by Malini Weeramuni, who plays his wife. Actor Daya Tennakoon plays the role of a newspaper proprietor.

The play, which is sponsored by the Royal Norwegian Embassy, is to be performed at the Namel Malini Punchi Theatre in Borella from November 10 to 17 at 6:45 p.m. Tickets will be available at the Punchi Theatre as well as Sarasavi Bookshop, Nugegoda.