“I think it’s a kind of eccentricity,” smiles Jith amiably, a slow grin spreading over his face, upon being asked what keeps him going over the past few years.
With well over 40 years of experience, well known theatre personality and drama aficionado Jith Pieris has been involved in countless productions. Described as a person who is calm and quiet even in the tensest of situations, by those who have worked with him, Jith has nurtured many an aspiring star and is a name synonymous with theatre.
“Drama is very much a part of the Thomian heritage,” voiced Jith explaining how his love for the theatre started. Influenced in his later years by his mother and during his 14 year stint in England and US where he worked in theatre for a few years, Jith’s fire and passion for the arts remains very much ablaze. “I do concentrate on a lot of light comedy and musicals,” says Jith. “I leave the rest to others.”
Confessing that he loves all facets of the arts (ballet being a particular favourite), he remains ineffably modest about his productions. Jith emphasizes on giving new performers a chance to shine and remains hopeful that a new generation of performers will evolve and add new life and colour into the current arts scene.
One of the best things about being in a production is the memories and the experiences which you take with you. For the veteran, it has been 40 wonderful years dotted with rich recollections and experiences to last a lifetime. “I’ve given Indu many a shock by appearing on stage in the wrong place plenty of times,” he chuckles reminiscing about memorable moments on stage.
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“I hope that in the future many young people will enter the field. With the new national theatre coming up, it is hoped that the government will add new benefits and that the private sector also steps in to foster the arts. There is much, much more that people can concentrate on in every aspect of the arts. What is holding them back is the lack of opportunity,” says Jith With the advent of the Christmas season, Jith is busy preparing for his latest production – It’s Christmas Time in the City – Silver Bells. The concert revolves around the Christmas theme and is ideal for people who are nostalgic about Christmas, says Jith.
With the likes of Soul sounds, Noeline Honter, Kevin Nugera Latin dancers, the Menaka Singers, old Joes Choir, Eshantha de Andrado and Natasha Ratnayake, to name a few, lined up for the night, the concert promises to be one to mark on your seasonal calendar. The concert goes on board on December 5 at the Ladies College Hall at 7.30pm.
Tickets for It’s Christmas time in the city – Silver Bells can be obtained at Park Street Mews – 50/1, Park Street, Colombo 02.
Electronic Media Sponsors for the event are MTV and Yes FM while Print Media Sponsors for the event are The Sunday Times, Daily Mirror and the Hi! Magazine. |
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