Brimming with new talent ‘Rag – The Musical’ is set for the boards
View(s):A blend of fact and fiction, and based on the personal experiences of the writer/composer and playwright Jehan Aloysius, the new production of ‘Rag – The Musical’ features a streamlined script which celebrates the original songs and music, as well as a fresh cast of talented performers who have recently been making a name for themselves as singers, actors and dancers.
The new edition of ‘Rag – The Musical’ by Jehan’s theatre company CentreStage Productions will be staged on July 19 and 21 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, Colombo 7.
Battle of anti raggers and pro raggers: Pic by Malith Ramanayaka
The talented cast of soloists includes Dion Nanayakkara (The Voice, Pyramus & Thisby, Rag), Angelo Gamage (Derana Dream Star), Milinda Randeniya (And Then There Were None), Isira Edussuriya (Julius Caesar) and others. For this special 20th anniversary edition several members of the previous performances since 2004 will be making guest appearances.
With memorable melodies and meaningful lyrics, Rag presents a positive message of non-violence and unity. The youthful cast has been developing their skills in dancing, acting, singing and even acrobatics over many months of free training workshops and masterclasses conducted by Jehan.
The plot is set in the late 1990’s, and follows a true idealist, Joseph, who seeks to end ragging with ‘words’ not ‘violence’. The past, in the form of his childhood friend Peter, now an influential senior and ‘pro-ragger’, emerges with a personal vendetta against Joe. Joe is thrown unwittingly into the midst of campus politics as the anti-raggers and pro-raggers prepare to battle it out on the university grounds.
The musical is written, composed and directed by Jehan, who also handles the choreography and production design. The orchestration and musical performance are by Avanti Perera, Jehan’s long-time musical collaborator. Choral harmonies are by Deshan Cooray and Eshantha Peiris.
‘Rag – The Musical’ is on July 19th & 21st at 7.30 p.m. at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. Online sales for tickets are now open. WhatsApp 0772949767 now. Tickets can only be purchased at the theatre from the 16th.
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