Rare treat for theatre lovers

Nuthana Rangabhumiya
Author: Prof. Ariyaratne Athugala
Published by the Government Information Department

Reviewed by R.S. Karunaratne

Prof. Ariyaratne Athugala's Nuthana Rangabhumiya was launched recently as a Government information Department publication.

It traces the history of drama in India and Greece and sheds light on different aspects of performance, theatres, cast, music and make-up. Chapter 2 explains the different types of stage and their evolution.

The illustrations that accompany the text facilitate the understanding of a complex subject. The author has introduced the façade theatre, amphitheatre, black box theatre, theatre in the rounds and proscenium theatre.

Chapter 3 is devoted to a comprehensive discussion of drama tradition and conventions. It is followed by a graphic description of drama in translations. The author explains the authentic method and free method in translating drama into author language.

Myths

Chapter 5 is on myths and creative communication. He draws inspiration from Greek philosophers such as Xenophanes, Anaxagoras, Aeschylus, Euripides, Socrates and Plato. The author touches on the externalist and internalist theories.

Most of the chapters are directly related to Prof. Athugala's path-breaking drama Mahasohon Samayama. It was an experimental drama which received rave reviews from the press.

In chapter 9 the author discusses the different styles of drama such as Kabuki, stylised drama and Nadagam. It is followed by comprehensive description of characters and acting on stage. His views on dramatic discourse, speech act and discourse act are authentic.

Chapter 16 is a candid discussion on whether Mahasamayama is an opera or an epic drama. He says it is not a musical theatre although music was used.

This is followed by different concepts of drama such as contemporary theatre, naturalism, realism, regionalism, surrealism, expressionism, theatricalism, absurd theatre, symbolism, existentialism, romanticism, modernism and post modernism. Theatre belongs to transitory arts. It changes from time to time. If is does not change, then there is no drama. Prof. Athugala's Nuthana Rangabhumiya is a rare treat for theatre lovers. With its colourful photographs and professional presentation, it can be treated as a collector's item.