DRAMA

Muhudu Lihiniya at the Wendt

To commemorate Anton Chekov's visit to Sri Lanka:

By Dilshan Boange

Sri Lanka has something of a special regard and affection for Russian writer Anton Chekov. It is rooted partly in the fact that Chekov visited our country 125 years ago. In commemoration of this milestone, which comes to pass this month, the Tower Hall Theatre Foundation in collaboration with the Lionel Wendt Trust will present the Sinhala translation by Ariyaratne Vithana of Anton Chekov's stage play 'The Seagull'. The play titled 'Muhudu Lihiniya' (The Seagull) is directed by Sampath Perera of the Tower Hall Theatre Foundation.

This adaptation directed by Perera to is a commendable work of Chekhovian drama in Sinhala. Vithana, when asked what made him translate this particular script of Chekov, which incidentally is now 120 years old, said when he was in Germany in the 1970s he saw a production of 'The Seagull' and felt he had to translate the play to Sinhala.

The Sinhala translation which was done in the 1990s had first been staged in Peradeniya University and later at the Kelaniya University, where the lead role of Kostia Treplev had been played by Sampath Perera, who has now taken on the mantle of director.

'The Seagull' is a prescribed text in the local A/L English literature syllabus, and all the players in this particular production are young thespians who had their training in the Tower Hall acting workshop.

'Muhudu Lihiniya' (The Seagull) will be staged at the Lionel Wendt on November 11 (Wednesday) at 7.00 p.m.

Mask Theatre Drama Festival

Young playwright and drama director Akhila Sapumal will once again present to theatergoers his drama festival from November 12 to 15. The dramas –‘Bacchae’, ‘Hinavela’ ‘Minithtuwak’, ‘Ravana’ ‘Aadaraye Husma Langa’, and ‘Vikarama Handava’ will be staged as part of this festival. ‘Baccae’, ‘Hinavela Miniththuwak’, and Ravana Aadaraye Husma Langa’ will be staged at the Tower Hall at 4.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. for November 12, 13 and 14 respectively. ‘Viakrama Hendeva’ will be screened at the Black Box Theatre in Rajagiriya at 5.00 p.m. on November 15.