"Mahasamayama" makes its debut - public show on 1st & 2nd February
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- Published on Friday, 01 February 2013 11:54
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"Mahasamayama" the grand opera produced and directed by Prof.Ariyarathne Athugala made its debut at Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre to mark its first anniversary, on 30th January 2013 with the distinguished patronage of His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Frist Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa.
Ministers Keheliya Rambukwella,TB Ekanayake and Prof.Athugala welcomed the President and First Lady.
Making the opening address of the debut of the Mahasamayama Grand Opera, Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (ANCL) Chairman Bandula Padmakumara said this splendorous opera guides the audience not to look at the world through the eyes of a fish, but to look through the eyes of a bird.
A large number of distinguished guests including Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunaga, Chief of the Presidential Staff Gamini Senarath, Ministers, MPs and Tri Force commanders participated.
‘Mahasamayama’ woven around ancient Sri Lankan and Indian mythology and folklore based on an ancient traditional legend - 'Gotaimbara and Mahasona' was a massive production designed to fit into the ultra modern Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre.
'Mahasamayama is the first grand opera of this magnitude staged in anywhere in Sri Lanka and the facilities available at the Nelum Pokuna theatre immensely contributed for the majestic and splendid production.
The origin of Mahasamayama script was as a result of the studies carried out by Professor Athugala on myths and legends as well as on the subject of perception in order to go deep into communicative interactions on the traditional art.
The “Mahasamayama” which has been produced as an invitation to the ancestral folk drama tradition to the modern stage opened a new chapter in the Sri Lankan drama dynasty. Masks were being used to depict the emergence of the aspects of humanity, psychology, spirituality, demonical forms and it had been used paying much attention as an introduction to the modern artistic innovations.
The Opera presented a complicated and panoramic pageant which created an astonishing surprise. The cast featuring key figures in the fields of Sri Lankan theatre/dance included Nissanka Diddeniya, Jackson Anthony, Sriyantha Mendis, Ravibandu Vidyapathi, Channa Wijewardena, Indika Upamali, Madani Malwatte, Sandun Wijesiri, Janaka Ranasinghe, Kumara Thirimadura and Chathurika Peiris, together with the cultural troupes of the Tri-services – the Army, the Navy and the Air force.
Choreography was done by Channa Wijewardena, Ravibandu Vidyapathi and Darshana Piyarathne. Music was composed by Samantha Perera. Sets were by Lalith Jayashantha (Sri Lanka Navy) and Make up by Buddhadasa Galappatti. Sampath Sanjeewa was the Costumes designer and Lighting Director was Mahesh Umagiliya while stage management was done by Upali Ariyasiri.
Public shows will be held today (01) and tomorrow (02) at 6.30 pm. at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre.
Tickets available at Sarasaviya / Salaka / Nelum Pokuna / Sams. Tickets could also be purchased on line at www.mahasamayama.org and collected at the Nelum Pokuna gate.
