Janaka turns to stage play

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

Versatile actor Janaka Kumbukage who had breathed life into many memorable roles on stage - the large and mini screens - will turn a new leaf in his career as the maiden stage play scripted by him will go on boards Lumbini Theatre on July 25 and 26 at 6.30 p.m. Titled `Sulanga Mata Katha Karai', the drama is jointly directed by Ashoka Athaudahetti and Kumbukage. Four characters contribute to the tale which provides the audience with a glimpse on the beauty of life. Kumbukage, Chandani Seneviratne, a little girl named `Punchi Suranganavi' and Wasantha Vittachchi make up the cast.

"The people are too busy or burdened with issues to enjoy the beauty of life today.

They do not brood on maintaining relationships and enjoying what life has to offer but are in pursuit of a target which they believe to be their goal. Thus bonds and expectations between family and friends are shattered.

The play includes real life observations and, hopefully, it will make them see how fortunate and gifted we really are," Janaka revealed about the roots of his debut drama script.

Interestingly `Sulanga Mata Katha Karai' is a mixture of cinematic, teledrama and stage drama features, making it the first Sri Lankan production of this nature to ever hit the theatres. It is a novel concept which will be experimented before the local theatre - goers."People are enthusiastic on experimenting something new. We need to recognize their needs and build our projects around those expectations. 'Sulanga Mata Katha Karai' not only embodies a thought provoking theme but it will also contribute towards the survival of the stage drama as well. Many will find this an interesting experience for some of the novel techniques in global theatre are brought to be staged on local soil," he noted adding that the new techniques had been injected into the production in such a manner that it heightens the live dramatic actions of the characters on stage.

"This will set a new pace and instil new life into the fast fading Sinhala theatre. The facial expressions and deep emotions of the characters are vividly projected through new technological methods. They set the stage for an in-depth study of the characters at every angle," he remarked.

'Sulanga Mata Katha Karai' is produced by Kumudumali Herath. Chandana Liyanage is the music director while Navaratna Gamage is the sound mixer.

Wasantha Vittachchi is the make up artist and Thushara Vidanagamage is the hair dresser. Chandana Nishantha will control the sound effects, Ranga will take care of the lighting while Vernon Abeysinghe and W. Ravindra will be the stage managers.

According to Kumbukage the need to move with new global technology is vital in enhancing the arts scene.

"Everything is within our reach today. It only takes a click of a button to unlock information on any subject imaginable. We carry many forms of gadgets and devices along with us and a piece of news reaches millions of people around the world in a second.

Many of the developed countries in the West had brought these techniques on stage with salutary effect. We need to move with them and nurture our own industry," Janaka said.

He hopes to take the drama to different parts of the island after its debut performance. They have even been invited by organizations in countries like America, Australia and Canada to stage the play for the Sri Lankan migrants in such countries.

"The response is encouraging and the team is eager to do a good job. We are rehearsing continuously to make it a success," he added.Jude Srimal is in charge of the staging of the drama in Sri Lanka while Neel Amaraweera will handle the project coordination when it is staged abroad.