Laugh of a lifetime

What makes a hit comedy? A good script? A good director? A good cast? Good timing? Precise cues? What would you call a comedy that has all of the above traits? A super-hit? Or we could just make life easier for us all by simply coming down to the Lionel Wendt between May 18-20 at 7.30 p.m. for a laugh of a lifetime! 'Yes Hon Minister' is a 'Silent Hands' production, directed by Jehan Bastians and Neidra Williams, presented by the Interact District and is a localized adaptation of Ray Coony's original play 'Two Into One' (under special arrangement with Samuel French Inc.).

"Lilian Dabare's a typically straight-laced sort of character; very proper. She can be quite a tough cookie as well, having made it her sole purpose in life to fight evil in the world," explains Neluka Silva of her role in the play. Lilian finds it very difficult to handle the sort of scenario going on in the play, as it doesn't quite fit into her somewhat narrow perspective, she added. "To add to the general chaos, she always tends to turn up at all the wrong times, thus making things very much more confusing," says Neluka with a smile. "She's portrayed almost as a caricature of a Margaret Thatcher sort of role, who suspects something fishy is going on and is quite curious to discover what it is, but just can't seem to piece it together," she added.

"It's a very funny play, especially as it's a satire on what politicians get up to. 'Lankanizing' it will make it easier for audiences to identify with and enjoy," explained Neluka.

Speaking about her dual role as director cum actress, Neidra Williams says, "I'm foremost an actress and am helping with directing only because Jehan twisted my arm into doing it," she said laughing. Jehan looks at the overall picture while Neidra focuses more on the nitty-gritties and develops small areas at a time. "I mainly work on scenes that I'm not in as I can be more objective that way and as I have acted in many comedies before, I can draw a lot from my past experiences," she elaborated.

This is not the first comedy done by 'Silent Hands' but, considering the last comedy was Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Nights Dream', the styles are quite obviously very different. This play also comprises a much smaller cast of just 10 actors and has a more contemporary theme; almost like a sort of sitcom, she added.

Pamela Parakrama is a typical politician's wife, stereotypically supportive and full of smiles. So much so, that not only does her husband expect that of her, she too has come to expect it of herself, explained Neidra. Obviously rather bored with her disposition, she naturally jumps at the first outrageous proposition thrown her way. "She does quite a bit of unleashing herself," says Neidra with a grin.

Probably the most interesting role in the play, George Palliyaguru played by Charith De Silva says that his role is probably the most challenging role he's had to play in his life! "I find it mostly difficult because I find that both the character - George and I are very similar and react and act quite similarly. So, it's very tough to strike just the right balance between acting and the real me," says Charith emphatically adding with a smile, "so most of the time I'm just being me and not really acting." Also, keeping himself from overacting (particularly as his character is faced with many chaotic situations) has been quite difficult, he added. Reacting with exact precision and perfecting the timing, has been equally hard, he said.

"Also, since my role is probably one of the only ones in the script that has to interact quite extensively with every other character in the play, it can get quite overwhelming at times. Especially as my relationship with each character in the play is so drastically different and I have to wear so many different faces and be so many different personalities, at almost the same time," he explains enthusiastically.

Pulling off a successful comedy is very tough as you don't want people laughing at the wrong things, he said. For instance, you don't want them laughing for slap-stick comedy, but rather, for the witty script and how well it's executed, he added. The script is very cleverly written and it's amazing how well Coony twists situations around so as to bring out the best of the script!

"As the Hotel Manager of the "Cinnamon Great', under which roof the numerous 'dodgy' goings-on are taking place, I take great pleasure in making George's life as difficult as possible, particularly as I suspect him to be up to no good," said Mario De Soyza quite gleefully. It doesn't help George much, that the Manager is quite a stickler when it comes to up keeping the rules and regulations imposed by the management. "It's generally quite an easy role to play, as I'm anyway bossy. Or so I'm told," he said with a smile. Although at first he only thinks that George is up to no good, as the play progresses he begins to think George is completely nuts! This play depends a lot on timing, precise cues and maintaining a steady pace throughout, thus, focusing on the different facets of acting, making it that much tougher to do.

Especially as, if not done to perfection can fall completely apart, he added.

"Rupasinghe, the waiter is a typical 'Saiivar Kade' sort of local guy, most of whose character is based on a real-life waiter many of us our familiar with," says Miranga Ariyaratne about his role. Rupasinghe is well aware of all the-goings on at the hotel and tries his best to capitalize on it. He's forever trying to make a quick buck by using his knowledge to his advantage. It's probably the most comfortable role I've ever played as it's very easy to relate to and understand, he added.

The "baby" of the cast, Niren Neydorff says how it's like being the new receptionist at the 'Cinnamon Great', wanting to please everyone and not rub anyone the wrong way. "I get quite disoriented when I observe George and Richard Parakrama having a conversation in the lobby and then a little while later, hear George address him with a strange put on accent and false air about him, which is when I seek assistance from the manager," explains Niren. Being a close confidante of Rupasinghe's, he gets the general idea that something strange is going on but, just can't seem to put my finger on it.

A must for anyone who'd fancy tickling their funny bone, the Wendt is the place to be next weekend! Don't deny yourself this entitlement!

Co-sponsors for this event are Suntel, Strategic Partnership Solutions and The San Frisco Jeans Co. The Official Electronic Media Sponsors are Channel One MTV and Yes FM, whilst the Official Print Media Sponsor is The Sunday Times.

Tickets are available at the Wendt. Parking with security has been arranged at Maitland Crescent and a three-wheel shuttle service organized to and fro.