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by Ruwini Jayawardana
Staging a drama may seem like an arduous task for some but for award
winning dramatist Buddhika Damayantha it is a part and parcel of the
day.
His latest stage drama ‘Suranganak Avith’ will be staged at Lumbini
Theatre on July 9 and 10.
The play is based on American playwright Neil Simon’s 1966 comedy
‘The Star-Spangled Girl’. It focuses on Andy and Norman, two young
journalists residing in a two storey building who become enamoured by
Sophie, a lovely girl in a neighbouring apartment.
A series of comic scenes emerge as Norman falls for Sophie and Andy
is forced to hire her to soothe his friend new-found obsession. However,
things goes out of control as Sophie shows favour towards Andy and it is
not merely the duo’s friendship that falls on the line but the
foundations of the workplace itself.Bringing the hilarious comedy to
life had certainly been a challenge for Buddhika.
 Though ‘Suraganak Avith’ marks his 14th stage production, it will be
his first attempt at a comedy play. Buddhika had started off in 1994
with the translation of Samuel Beckett’s `Endgame’ as `Paadadaya’ before
emerging with a play each year.
Some of his creations involve the translations of works by renowned
playwrights like Tennessee Williams, Harold Pinter, Athol Fugard, Vijay
Tendulkar and Henrik Ibsen.
Significantly each year his creations had been nominated for the
final round at the State Drama Festivals, the last being `Uthuru Konata
Patu Varan’ based on Athol Fugard’s `Boesman and Lena’ last year which
was selected for the final round at the State Drama Festival.
In addition his drama, the Sinhala translation of Murray Schisgal’s
`The Typist’ as `Davasa Thama Gevun Ne’ clinched the title of best drama
in 1998.
Apart from clinching the best director award the play also produced
the Best Actor (Saumya Liyanage) and the Best Actress (Jayani Senanayake).
A product of Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Pannipitiya, Buddhika had horned
his talent for the stage from his school days. He was a keen participant
of the stage plays organized by the school literary society and the Boy
Scouts group. Later he took up the subject at a wider angle by following
the National Youth Services Council drama course.
Speaking to `Panorama’ about his upcoming production Buddhika stated
that it is indeed a challenge to engage in staging a drama today.
“Hardly anyone takes a bother to uplift the local stage drama scene.
I engaged in the subject merely because I harness a deep passion for
theatre.
Similarly it is only a few individuals like myself who still the
field alive,” he said.The cast comprises Sujeewa Priyalal, Mahendra
Wijeratne and Madhanee Malwattha. Sunil Chandrasiri translated the
original script.
Premajayantha Kapuge is the make up artist while Kapila Kithsiri is
in charge of the lighting. The stage setting is by Upul C. Dayawansha.
Nadeeka Guruge is the music director, Sujeewa Priyalal is in charge of
the publicity, Asela Ruwan and Dinusha Jayakody are the Stage Managers.
`Suranganak Avith’ is produced by Poojitha Uduwana. |
