|
|
|
| Sunday, 15 January 2006 |
 |
|
 |
Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Henry Jayasena, the much
admired artiste... :
'My heart lies in theatre' by Chamitha Kuruppu
Although he looked relieved - his two little grandsons did not look pleased with our arrival. In their faces I saw how much they enjoyed the company of their 'seeya' and their dislike for a stranger who would steal couple of hours from their precious time with their grandfather. He makes no complaints about our delay infact greet us with a warm welcome. As I sit in front of him I cannot help but compare Henry Jayasena with Asadak of the 'Hunuwataye Kathawak' and 'Sudu Seeya' of 'Doodauruwo'. His deep voice reminds me of an arrogant Asadak, while his radiant smile bring back memories of sudu seeya. Though he always talks about his old age Henry Jayasena is very much in demand when it comes to the silver screen. He was just relaxing after busy working in two teledramas. "I enjoyed very much portraying those two characters," says this unique artist. "In one I play the role of a Buddhist monk, and the other character is a old man collecting gems as a hobby," he went on explaining. However, according to this maestro his heart lies in theatre. "I do not mind spending time on teledramas, but, I would rather work on stage," stresses Henry. "But the truth is there is no demand for the type of theatre I would like to work on. People today don't expect anything more than entertainment.That's why a mere comedy or a musical would hit 1000 shows where as 'Hunuwataye Kathawak' want have more than 100 shows a year," he points out. Henry believes the new production of his world acclaimed 'Hunuwataye Kathawak' is much more commendable than the 1967 production. "The new cast were much more experienced that the original cast, and we were able to overcome many drawbacks that we experienced in the early production," says Henry. However, the new production was not very much welcome by the theatre lovers in Sri Lanka. "Its not only my production. Many producers who try to do quality classic work have to face the same situation,' notes Henry. "This is what the open economy and the television has done to our country. Why are people in such a hurry. How could anybody enjoy life in this rat race," stresses the maestro. "Most of the young artists don't believe in apprenticeship. They all want to become a star overnight. It's a pathetic situations,". Many students who visits this veteran to gain knowledge for their academic purposes bring back memories of the good old days of a unique era. "But, what I enjoy most is those little fights with my two grandsons," chuckles Henry, while hugging them who were hanging around him throughout the interview. "I never expected a life without Manel," he says after a deep breath. "She was everything"......"Its so boring lonely without her,"..."I was at the death's door but she helped me to get out of there. But..when she was sick I couldn't save her,".... he sighs again. Manel Jayasena Trust Fund started by Henry provides financial assistance for 10 students and artists, especially for medical purposes. "Helping sick was Manel's thing. I know she will be happy that we are doing this. Memories of Manel as an artist may fade away. But I will never let her goodness to fade away like that," assures Henry. "I could name so many well known artists, whom Manel helped to get appointments with the best doctors in the country. Sometimes she takes the trouble of taking her friends to the hospital on her own. But none of them have contributed to the fund. I am old, and I cannot be begging people to help the Trust Fund. I do the best with what I have," he points out. "Contributions to the fund can be made to the Manel Jayasena Trust Fund, A/C No.100150350301, People's Bank(main branch), Nugegoda or visit the website www.maneljayasena.org for more details," notes Henry. This unique artist is preparing for his next novel and says he very much enjoys writing, as it keeps him occupied throughout the day. "That's all I could do without troubling anybody and also keeps me happy," he says with that radiant smile. I couldn't compare him with 'Asadak' or 'Sudu seeya' anymore. His gigantic personality, great sense of humour, passion for humanity and his never changing love for his dear wife Manel will make Henry Jayasena stand strong and proud in real life than any of the characters portrayed by him, on stage and screen. |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
Thanks to the company transport department I arrive at Kalapura, Mount
Lavinia exactly two hours later than the scheduled time. As we park our
vehicle, I see him seated in the portico clad in a bright green shirt and a
sarong. I picture Asadak on stage - seated in his majestic chair. Or is it 'sudu
seeya' of 'Doo Daruwo' enjoying a serene morning relaxing on a chair? 
