Cultural Diary

Celeb Chat celebrates Dr. Lester James Peries on his 92nd birthday

Celeb Chat of CSN/Prime TV's pays tribute to the doyen of Sinhala Cinema Dr. Lester James Peries (LTP) on his 92nd birthday which falls on April 05.

LJP's long-standing colleagues in the film industry - the legendary Iranganie Serasinghe, Ravindra Randeniya and well known music composer Nimal Mendis (of 'Master Sir' fame), will recall working with the maestro , with an array of anecdotes, unforgettable incidents and fond memories.

Breaking away from the typical South Indian formula Lester James Peries directed with 'Rekawa' (The Line of Destiny) which proved to be a "total commercial failure".

Dr. Peries recalls, "The biggest sociological problem was why the audience couldn't understand the film .... I remember going to the Elphinstone Theatre incognito. Fortunately, nobody knew me. I saw people were coming out saying, " Why did we come to see this film. It would have been better if we had bought bread for the crows (kaakkanta paang gaththanang.).

That's what they were mumbling. Had I been recognised they would have even lynched me. They were really furious".

Despite negative audience reactions, 'Rekawa' however DID met with great critical acclaim. It even went to the Cannes Film Festival in 1957 where there were eight masterpieces in competition.

"I think it was one of the greatest years in the history of Cannes. It was the tenth anniversary. There was Robert Bresson's "A Condemned Man Escapes", Andrzej Wajda's "Kanal", Kozinsev's "Don Quixote", Ingmar Bergmans "The Seventh Seal", William Wyler's "The Friendly Persuasion" and Federico Fellini's "Nights of Cabiria", all films of 1956", Dr. Peries said.

Lester James Peries now enjoys a quiet retirement at his residence at the former Dickman's Road, now Dr. Lester James Peries Mawatha in Colombo 5. Making a brief appearance on this special programme, he will look back on 92 years and modestly sum it up as a life well lived.

The programme will repeat telecast on April 5 at 8.00 a.m.

Naribena celebrates 50 years

The 50th commemoration of the popular stage Naribena by Dayanada Gunawadena will be held on April 4 at 6.45 p.m at the John de Silva theatre, Colombo.

The popular stage play “Naribena” of renowned dramatist Dayananda Gunawardena which went on the boards for the first time on March 1, 1961 completes 50 years this year. To commemorate this milestone, Nalu Keerthi Sabha Theatre Group set up by the late Gunawardena has organised a special performance of the drama.

The keynote address will be delivered by Prof. Tissa Kariyawasam. Chairperson of Nalu Keerthi Sabha Irangani Gunawardena said the commemoration ceremony will be open to all theatre enthusiasts.

Romaya Ginigani

Bandula Vithanage’s Romaya Ginigani (Second Part) will go on the boards at the Elphistone Theatre in Maradana today at 3.30 p.m. 6.30 p.m.

It is the Sinhalese adaptation of Caught in the Net by British playwright Ray Cooney.

Appeal for books

“Senehase Arunella” is a project started by the Old Scouts’ and Past Prefects’ association of Rahula College, Matara together with the help of other schools in the Southern Province with the intention of developing a selected number of under-developed school libraries in the Northern, North-western and Eastern Provinces. The association has made an appeal for donations from the public.

Sri Weddings bridal magazine

Sri Weddings, a bridal magazine by Vidyalankara Publications was launched on March 27 at Gangarama Temple. The six monthly periodical edited by Tharindu Maduranga and Athula Chaminda Punchihewa, is an English and Sinhalese bilingual bridal magazine.

Charitha Atak at Bishop's auditorium

Internationally acclaimed actor Wilson Gunaratne's newest hilarious comedy Charitha Atak will go on the boards on April 3 at the Bishop's College auditorium, Colombo at 6.00 p.m.

Critics say that the politically witty comedy is full of national concepts and visions. The cast includes Wilson Gunaratne, Gamini Hettiarachchi, Harry Wimalasena, Suresh Weththasingha, Lanka Wijewardana, G. Chandrathilaka, Wijerathna Nawullage, Kasun Chamara. Music is by Osanda Yasas Sri and the script is by Wilson Gunaratne and G. Chandrathilaka.

The audience will be in fits of laughter from the beginning to the end of the play. Charitha Atak is presented by the Lankan Cricket Club as a fund-raiser. Tickets are available at the Bishop's College.

Documentary on Solius Mendis

The Documentary Unit of the SLRC (Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation) has made a documentary on legendary artist Solius Mendis. Recently the shooting of the documentary was carried out by the director of the programme Namal Presanna.

Three plays

Three popular plays will be stayed at the Elphinstone, Maradana. They are Sriyantha Mendis's Gabbara Minisa on April 6 at 3.30 pm and 6.45 pm. Indika Fernando's Colombo Colombo on April 7 at 3.30 pm and 6.45 pm. Ravindra Ariyarathne's Balloth Ekka Be on April 8 at 3.30 pm and 6.45 pm.

Deiyo Sakki

Anura Chandrasiri's Deiyo Sakki will be staged at Nagoda Royal College auditorium, Galle today at 3.30 pm and 6.30 pm.

The cast includes Bandula Wijeweera, Menike Attanayake, Anoma Kumudini, Nirmani Perera, Chaminda Prasad, Gunadasa Nadurasinghe, Chinthani Hidurangala, Sanath Sri Malsara and Yasamali Perera.