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| Sunday, 31 August 2003 |
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Features |  |
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Film explores theme of "disappearances" by Jayanthi Liyanage
The family is the "junkyard" or more concisely, the ultimate warring grounds of the macro political power play in any nation or polity. The seepage of this power warfare, retaliation, debauchery and depravity once more re-enacts the conflict at the "micro social" or family level. That "athuru kathawa", or the sub story, is the annihilation of all that is "personal": relationships, bodily security and safety and what remains of the family structure. "Bheeshanaye Athru Kathawak" (A drop in the reign of terror), based on a best-selling novel by Nihal P. Jayatunge, cinematically spotlights one terrifying consequence of this sub process, which is "disappearance". Veteran film director and producer Amarnath Jayatilake's re-surfacing after seven years, the film has as its protagonist, Panduka (Madhuranga Chandheemal), a journalist, investigating the disappearance of his father, school principal Somadasa, in the years 1987-90, a reign of relative anarchy and terror. The loss of the breadwinner reduces Panduka's mother (Nita Fernando) and siblings, Devinda (Dinendra Ratnayake) and Nirosha Lakmali (Krishanthi) into destitution and Panduka gives up his studies to support the family.
Akman (Cletus Mendis), at whom suspicions are levelled, is a neighbour who had acquired wealth through illicit dealings but disciplined his conduct after coming into contact with a revolutionary organization. His wife, Alan Nona (Vishakha Siriwardena) who is envious of Somadasa family, gains improper advantages from a powerful politician (Thilakaratna Liyanage) of the area, who in turn, has his eye on the fortune she has amassed. As the plot unfolds, Akman's daughter, Manjula (Anushka Nilanjanie Ekanayake), and the three children of Somadasa are but lambs led to slaughter at the altar to "greed". "The story is all about how in that anarchical period the personal grudges and anatagonisms between families were being exploited," comments Jayatilaka of the film, which he claims is the first to tackle the issue of "dissappearance" locally, in a simple yet serious narration enhanced by a musical score from Priyangit Wijesekera, heightening its emotional impact. In the late eighties, the reality reported at least 100,000 families being affected by the disappearance of a family member which the Government had to compensate with nearly Rs. 500 million. "Many of the disappeared were the victims in a process of using the political circumstances to settle personal scores". Is it an attempt to discover merits and de-merits of two aspects of power, one of a politician, and the other, of what is termed "subversive"? "My film uses the situation, characters and incidents of Jayatunga's story", insists Jayatilaka. "I have maintained the same plot without taking any political sides. Ultimately, the plot reveals the corrupted hand of the politician as the villain that machinated the disappearance. The victims of that era are still in our country, whether it be the North, or the South. I hope the victimised families will see the film". "Bheeshanaye Athuru Kathawak" will be released to the local audiences on September 5 on the NFC-MPI joint circuit. ######## An exhibition by mother and son A novel exhibition of art opened yesterday at the Art Gallery.
The exhibition also showcases Christine Keil's talent for landscaping and interior decor which includes hand painted pottery, vases, lamp stands and several other handicrafts made by the artist. The exhibition will be at the Art Gallery today, and tomorrow, September 1, from 10 a.m onwards. ######## Swinging Times - fairy tale for adults The Sunera Foundation will present The Butterflies Theatre Company in Swinging Times - a fairy tale for adults", on Sept. 5 and 6 at the Bishops College auditorium. The production, directed by Wolfgang Stange, Julian Crouch and Rohana Deva, is a story that highlights the many unseen facets of war, how the fortunes of some are built upon and indeed dependent on the lack of peace and the demand for weapons of destruction. It questions the morals of a rapidly "developing" society.It leaves the audience pondering, long after the curtains close, on the issues which surface during the unravelling of the plot. However what sets this production distinctively apart from many others lies not in its plot but in its cast. Comprising a diverse selection of individuals ranging from professional actors to physically, mentally and emotionally handicapped performers, soldiers and displaced persons from all ethnic communities, Swinging Times is a must see for all those interested in the performing arts as well as those interested in the arts of life. |
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On display is a collection of unusual and very striking graphic art of
mostly outer space characters in pen and charcoal by Ryan Autry Keil
titled `New Age Graphics'. Also on display are several paintings of
landscapes, abstract art and portraits titled `Contrast in colour' by
Christine Keil.
