 Lucky seven-Punchi Theatre!
by Nilma Dole
The charming little theatre that
has been a Mecca of the theatrical circles in Sri Lanka - the Punchi
Theatre will be celebrating its lucky seventh birthday this month.
Located snugly in Borella, this dazzling theatre is a true work of art
with its unusual shape and brown wavy design displayed in glory.
 With a bold image and a daring to be different, the Punchi Theatre
has not only seen theatre greats on its stage but musicians and members
of the community involved in aspects of culture and harmony. Despite its
small size, the Punchi theatre offers what no other theatre company
offers, which is charm and character that is not all about bringing the
crowd but giving the most exclusive patrons a chance to experience the
production for its worth.
From a week in October from the 23rd onwards, the Punchi theatre will
have some of their best artistic productions for this year, carved out
for their loyal audience.
 “We will see ‘Nattukkari’ going on the boards once again in view of
the anniversary celebrations and ‘The Outcry’ which will be for the
benefit of those who couldn’t make to the theatre due to the victory
celebrations around the city” said the founder of the Punchi Theatre
Namel Weeramuni.
The twisted and intricate ‘The Outcry’ which will again feature Mark
Hager as Felice and Hasini Somawardena as Clare in a brilliant
Two-Character Play theme that has gained critical acclaim. Offering a
different twist to the conventional anniversary festival theme,
Weeramuni aims to bring a collection of short films to entice patrons to
see the other side of the Arts circles. “I plan to screen Asitha
Ameresekere’s BAFTA (60th British Academy Film Awards) winning film ‘Do
Not Erase’ and the first Sinhala short film that was released in 1951”
said Weeramuni who hoped that many would be able to witness a blend of
film and drama at the Theatre. Be there to witness the Punchi Theatre
drama at its best this month! |
