 by Ruwini Jayawardana
Popular comedian and director Jayasekara Aponsu who had won the
hearts of local theatergoers with his popular stage drama `Thatu’, will
stage his newest creation at Elphinstone Theatre on July 5. The story
deals with Kiribanda, an individual who ventures from the rural backdrop
to the ever-changing, deceitful and glittery world of the city.
Though he was baffled by the strange sounds, attire and habits of the
city dwellers, Kiribanda is soon lured into the glamorous set up and his
tactics in modernizing himself from the rural farmer to a punk will, no
doubt, leave you spluttering with laughter.
“The drama comprises the twisted versions of a few songs like Sunil
Shantha’s `Handapane’. This style was quite popular in the past even
though it caused great harm to the local music scene.
 This is a satirical look at such trends which emerge like mushrooms
for a short period and disappear as it has no great social value,”
Aponsu noted on one of the themes of his latest stage play.
Aponsu had scripted `Kira’ some years back when some of the social
issues discussed in the play were prevailing. He takes on the lead role
of Kiribanda while students of his art educational academy, `Shilpa Kala
Guru Sevana’ will portray the rest of the cast.
Mahinda Karunaratne, Rukshi Gamage, Anura Perera, Dilini Niroshika,
Ranjith Ruwanwella, Wasantha Kasthuriarachchi, Gayan Mapalagama, Nihal
Bandara, Lakshman Fernando, Keerthji de Silva, Saman Himbuta, Nayanthara
Upananda, Nadeeka Hettiarachchi and Premila Madhushani will play
significant roles in `Kira’. The music is by Jayantha Rathnayake and
Wasantha Dukkgannarala had penned the lyrics. Make up is by Gamini Costa
and Siril Gamage is in charge of the sound effects.
“We are not new to the field so people are constantly inquiring if I
hope to make a new production. My last drama `This Deka’ (Thirty-two)
was staged 10 years ago and `Thatu’ is still being staged in theatres
islandwide.
I felt that it was no use trying to entertain the public while the
country was in an unsteady position then but now with the dawn of peace
I feel that the people have turned towards art and are eager to
experience something new,” he said while adding that he has his own
style in drama making which serves to a special purpose.
Speaking on the difficulties of staging dramas in rural areas the
seasoned stage director said that as transport facilities are costly it
is necessary to sell tickets at a higher price.
“If the Government provides a relief scheme for transportation we
could sell the tickets at the same rate. People enjoy watching drama
unfolding live on stage but some of the halls in which we have to stage
the creations lack even minimal facilities. The time had come for the
Government to concentrate on such matters,” he said.
His newest comedy series `Madame Shoba’ which sees him in the role of
a matron, is slotted for release soon. Aponsu had penned and directed
the series while Rashmi Sneha is the producer. |
