Mano brings 'Makara' back

Veteran dramatist Jayalath Manoratne brings back 'Makara', Henry Jayasena's translation of renowned Russian author Eugene Schwartz's "The Dragon" nearly after twenty five years. Organised by the drama circle of "80 group", the play will be staged on November 21 and 22, 2007 at 6.45 p.m. at the Elphinstone Theatre, Maradana.

Henry Jayasena's translation of "The Dragon" written by the renowned Russian author Eugene Schwartz is the theme for "Makara". Makara is a mythical role. He commands his authority over a state. It is governed by brutal methods of fear, anxiety and killings. Brutal force is used against the citizens, who live in untold misery. As time goes by people get used to the style of living and think that it is better to have your own Makara who will safeguard them from any external Makaras. This scenario changes with the arrival of a courageous man Lancelot who decides to wage war against the brutal beast. He believes that the aspirations of the people could be achieved by destroying this dangerous evil.

The world famous Makara by the Russian Author Schwartz has put out a masterpiece by subtly drawing reality against supernatural, right against wrong, truth against myth, to touch the lives of societies of today. Though the story runs very naturally with ease of clarity it also has a deeper social analysis to it is substance."The theme in the play is eternal and suits every society including ours," Jayalath Manoratne said.

"The people are being harassed in every society and this is the eternal phenomenon," he added. While it brings a very serious theme, Makara is also a political satire. Jayalath Manoratne played key role as 'Pusa' when it was first produced by the veteran dramatist Henry Jayasena in 1973. In the present production he plays the role of 'Purapathi'.

Others to join in the cast are Jagath Chamila, Madhani, Malwattege, Paboda Sandeepani, Sampath Tennakoon, Sarath, Chandrasiri, Daya Edirisinghe, Ajith Lokuge, Susil Wickramasinghe, Malee Jayaweerage, Somapala Pathirage, Somasiri Kolambage and it is presented by Ceylon Biscuits Limited (Munchee). Makara is the second translated play by Jayalath Manoratne who earlier brought another Russian translation as "Puthra Samagama".