“Chaos by SMS” this weekend

“Chaos by SMS” is back by popular demand. First staged in November last year, the play was an instant hit with audiences. “The response to the play had been very positive last time; the audience who missed it was constantly asking for a repeat,” said Indu, explaining the return of the play.

Sanwada Dharmasena is back in the role of Gladys Vandabona, the housekeeper of Ram’s estate bungalow  and says the latest production will see better characterization and focus more on improving subtlety and the delivery of lines. “It is more like fine-tuning the play to make it better than the last time,” Sanwada adds.

Indu takes the role of Ram Sewalagala, a spoiled young man who appeals to all types of women. “Ram is a real Romeo,” Sanwada laughs.

The cast of eight is the same as the last time with the exception of Sanjana Selvarajah who takes the role of Sepalika, one of the three “Black Book” women, previously played by Manuka Wijesinghe. Sanjana joins “Chaos by SMS” after a  hiatus of four years since she last appeared in one of Indu’s plays. “Having seen the play before I think it is hilarious!” Sanjana says.

The other two women are played by Kamanthi Wickramasinghe and Saneesha Ramanayake who portray Manel and Nelum.

Ram’s uncle, Edward Pinnawala is played by Jaliya Wijewardene, and Abbasali Rozais takes on the role of Rex Waligoda while Anushan Selvarajah plays Dr. Pradeep Silva.

“Chaos by SMS” will go on the boards on May 11, 12 and 13 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre at 7.30 p.m. Tickets priced at Rs.2000, Rs.1500, Rs.1000 and Rs.750 (Balcony unreserved) will be available at the venue or can be purchased via www.lionelwendt.org.