Drama

Yaka Mala for the 25th time

Kala Bhushana National Award Winner, S. Jayasinghe's newest drama Yaka Mala (Death of the Devil) will be staged for the 25th time on March 12 at the Kotikawatte Sri Rajasinghe College auditorium. The play will be staged at 3.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. for the benefit of the students of the College to educate them on Sri Lankan stage drama.

Yaka Mala is a popular stage play among the general public and has been staged successfully in recent times. Created by S. Jayasinghe, who is also the creative force behind stage plays such as Dewol Yakek, Ali Madiwata Koti, Cemeteriye Bhoothayo, the play is a light hearted and entertaining theatre production.

According to Jayasinghe, the lighthearted nature of the pay is intentional, as his aim is not to burden the audience with serious material that can leave them disheartened. "I want to them to leave their troubles aside and enjoy for the two hours they are with us" he says, adding that people come to be entertained and not to be puzzled after witnessing the stage play.

According to Jayasinghe, the times for stage drama in Sri Lanka have changed with the audience now taking a greater interest in local theatre productions. "As artistes, this is a much needed change" he says, adding that despite watching television and cinema there is still an allure in live art forms such as stage plays. However, he says today's audience expects good quality stage productions.

"Even though I make the play light-hearted, I ensure the audience always takes something good from it when they leave the theatre" he says. In his opinion a stage play should also make a mental impact on the audience.

Speaking of his struggles, Jayasinghe says even though the artistes come up with a good production, the inability to promote the play among the public due to financial difficulties has become a stumbling block for many artistes such as himself. "But this art form in my blood and I will continue to produce shows" he says with determination.

Jayasinghe says despite wanting to create more plays in the future he will currently focus on staging Yaka Mala for the Sri Lankan audience due to his limited financial capabilities.

Talented stage artistes Milinda Perera, Dayananda Hewage, Bhathiya Madanayake, Ajith Kotuwila, Chinthaka Pathirana, Ajith Bogoda, and Ranga Nayanajith are featured in the production. -MB