 Truly ins drama
by Nilma Dole
I can’t help but write about the
truly amazing production ever created by the Sri Lankan theatre industry
‘An Inspired Swan Lake’ courtesy Sunera Foundation directed by Jehan
Aloysius. Tipped to take place at the ever-famous Lionel Wendt, the
wonderful musical will go on board in March.
 The BBC World Service also wrote about this lovely production
recently in their Outlook radio program. Reporter Will Richards
interviewed Sunethra Bandaranaike, Jehan Aloysius and lead actor
Thusitha Wimalasuriya.
Sunethra said: “In Sri Lanka, we have had and continue to have people
with various disabilities, accidental, conflict-caused or by birth. With
Sri Lanka’s 20 million population, almost three million have
disabilities but we have never delved into it until the Sunera
Foundation became the only charity to help such people through the
arts.”
For the ‘Swan Lake’ production, four former soldiers injured in land
mines have acted in it.
Lead actor Thusitha said that he lost his leg in a land mine
explosion while on duty in Kilinochchi. He told reporter Richards, “At
that time it was a serious loss but since I was serving the country at
that time, it doesn’t mean anything because I feel comfortable with
myself after acting in this production.” This he said after he had a
serious injury during dress rehearsals on the day of the show in October
last year. Thusitha concluded, “I am glad that we are now accepted by
society”.
Jehan said; “for me it was bringing them to that level of using their
bodies and not hiding or being ashamed by it. The boys in the play have
become more confident and feel attractive because after the success of
the play, their fans have increased”. further he commented, “I learn
everyday from them. Taking actor Karunarathne, a double amputee as an
example, he climbs and acts with ease despite being disabled.”
 Acting as Nicholas, Thusitha Wimalasuriya will once again show his
face in the musical despite being in crutches, and showing her versatile
artistic movements will be the beautiful Evangeline De Silva.
The star-crossed lovers, the beautiful Russian Swan Lake music, the
talented supporting cast and the special effects of the lake and the
bridge will culminate again to give a magical performance by the Sunera
Foundation.
Jehan Aloysius said, “I’m looking for male and female dancers between
the ages of 18 to 28 years with time on their hands for the extended
version of ‘An Inpired Swan Lake’.
They need to be available for an intensive two weeks of workshop
rehearsals from 21st February to March 7th.” So please contact us
through this page for details about it. |
