Powerful portrayal of injustice

All is dark…the sombre music sets the tone…the victims narrate their fate. It’s a cruel and unjust world, they say. Men are killed like ants and cockroaches. There is torture, unbearable horror and pain. What are we? Do we have rights? Will justice prevail?

Namel Weeramuni in his latest play “Maadayawediyakuge Asipatha” (the Sword of a Journalist), brilliantly explores these questions, so often asked yet unanswered.

The play revolves around the plight of a woman journalist (played by Lalindra Dissanayake) who tries to stand up for freedom of expression but is thwarted by an underworld leader (Anil K. Wijesinghe), backed by a powerful politician (Namel Weeramuni). The play lays great emphasis on the issue of truth and how the truth never reaches the public.

It is implied, that a report by the journalist had hurt the minister’s reputation. She is imprisoned or rather ‘taken on a vacation’ and forced by the underworld chief (on orders by the minister) to state that her report was a mistake. What would happen if she dares defy him? How far would they go to get her statement?

Full of strong lines and strong action, the play has dramatic scenes of abuse and torture further enhanced by dance and music. “The script is powerful and the play conveys a relevant message. There is so much torture, unease and injustice in today’s world,” Weeramuni says, adding that “the journalist is symbolic of all the injustice faced by those seeking to report the truth.”

An accomplished actor himself, Weeramuni makes only a brief appearance as the minister, yet the play is based on the demands of the politician and it is he who is behind the detention and torture of the journalist. The play does not lack humour, and these light episodes though short provide a brief respite amidst the suspense and seriousness of the play.

Born out of a workshop production, the play features a cast of over 20 with music and choreography by Wasantha Kumara, Jayatissa Alahakoon and Somasiri Baddegama. “Maadyavediyakuge Asipatha” will be staged at the Punchi Theatre on November 11 and then at the Lionel Wendt on November 15.