'Migara' takes you down memory lane

I went recently to a play staged by the young Visakhians at their auditorium in Colombo. It was the fourth presentation of the Jataka story 'Migara' during a span of almost fifty years. It was an emotion filled experience to see Ms. Daisy Karawita who was our Deputy Principal in the 1950s, Dr. (Mrs.) Lalitha Katugaha (nee Wijesuriya) and Mrs. Kamala Kapilasena (nee Wadugodapitiya) gracing the occasion as the chief guest and guests of honour respectively.

Going down memory lane it was that affable pedagogue Ms. Karawita, who almost single handedly created this great play in 1958. I think most of her lines and lyrics still continue to be used. This dramatisation also held a special appeal to me as it was my sister Lalitha that versatile one, at the time the head girl, who played the lead role as Migara, in the inaugural show.

This in itself was a lavish presentation, with a large cast, exquisite costumes, impeccable diction and fine music that blended very well. This was truly a tribute to the producers. All in all it was one great show, but special mention must be made of the fourteen year old Mudushani Seneviratne who played Migara and Nethmi Adikari who was Visakha. They won the hearts of that august gathering and as they showed a lot of promise it is my wish they capitalise on their talents.

My thanks to the producers and the young actresses, who gave us a most entertaining evening.

Dr. (Mrs.) Manel Panditharatne.