BODIMA MAARAI SIYALLA HAMAARAI
premieres at Lumbini on July 25
“This is a 90-minute play filled with humour but it also carries a powerful social message”
Helamuthu Cultural Foundation Chairman and seasoned producer Thilak Samarasinghe’s maiden stage play ‘Bodima Maarai Siyalla Hamaarai’ created with the blessings of Narahenpita Dharmayathanaya Chief Incumbent Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thera, will be premiered at the Lumbini Theatre in Colombo on July 25.
“This is a 90-minute play filled with humour but it also carries a powerful social message, especially to parents reminding them that they should always pay close attention to their children’s movements. This story revolves around a retired army officer who comes to Colombo with his only daughter to facilitate her higher studies. There is a boarding house opposite the house they rent out. Gradually they begin to associate with the boarding house inmates and that leads to all the suspense, comedy and tragedy. Leading artistes like Danushka Jayaratne, Eric Abyewardana, Dananji Tharuka, Rukshana Dissanayake, P. M. Nandakumar, Ravindra together with Imeshan, Piumi Imalka, Danushka Abyekoon and others play the main roles in this comedy play. This is a new experience for me but I am confident it will be a success. I am thankful to Eric Abeywardana for all his support. The premier show of this play will be held at the Lumbini Theatre on July 25 as per the advice of Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thera who graced the muhurath ceremony and extended his blessings,” director-producer Thilak Samarasinghe said adding that in today’s context people were yearning for peace of mind and this hilarious play would give them a break from all the mental stress,” Samarasinghe said.
Veteran actor Eric Abeywardana said this play carried an ideal message to society, focusing on the repercussions due to the use of drugs and other nefarious activities. “This is a commendable concept of Thilak Sir. I play the role of the retired army officer. This shows how things would go out of hand if you don’t keep a close eye on children as they grow up. The whole story flows through humourous tones. I hope with our combined efforts we could make this play a big hit. Mr. Thilak Samarasinghe hopes to stage this in other countries as well,” he said.
Veteran dance choreographer P. M. Nandakumar who has completed 30 years in the field of arts, especially in cinema and dancing, said this drama was going to be a turning point in his acting career.
Veteran actress Danushka Jayaratne who plays the boarding aunt says her character has a lot of playing and she hoped they could come up with a super production with the help of all artistes and crew members. Popular actress Dananji Tharuka said she accepted the role in this tele drama without any hesitation because of the confidence she had in the producerdirector Thilak Samarasinghe and the whole team lead by Eric.
Popular new generation actress Rukshana Dissanayake said she plays the army officer’s daughter who ruins her life due to her father’s neglect. “I am thankful to producer and director Thilak Samarasinghe for offering this role to me,” she said. Will be premiered at the Lumbini Theatre in Colombo on July 25