‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ is a proud production by the Identities Inc with special arrangements with the Samuel French Inc, directed by Gehan Blok to be performed at the Punchi theatre Borella from July 17th – 20th 2014.

Date: 17th to 20th July
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Punchi Theatre Borella
There will be a matinee show at 3.30pm on Sunday the 20th due to popular demand.

TICKET RESERVATION AND DELIVERY TO YOUR DOORSTEP VIA QUICKEE.LK – CALL 0117 324 325 / 6
Get your tickets delivered to you and pay by cash or card on delivery. Or you can also purchase tickets from the Punchi theatre, Borella as well – Call 0112672121.

We managed to meet and speak to the cast about their respective roles and how it had been preparing for the production altogether. As an experienced cast, they each bring forth something important to the production, thus making it a play not to be missed!

Shanaka Amarasinghe as “Dave Moss”

He is disgruntled, ambitious but also cowardly. He is a bully and you are going to meet him everywhere. He is willing to go to most lengths to get what he wants. He is a guy who instigates the real incident. Everyone is capable of his emotions so I shouldn’t try to put on too much emotion. It’s been a process of getting the right balance of emotions. Rehearsals are working well. We have talked about all our characters and it wasn’t that difficult. It’s Gehan’s first time, and he has been fantastic. It’s a good learning curve for him. He has got a clear vision and good work ethic. The audience should not feel obliged to laugh. It gets pretty intense. Everyone should probably try to engage in the play.

Andre Perera as “George Aaranow”

He’s one of the salesmen who has been there for a long time. He has the office complacent character – no ego. E likes to work but does not want to go that extra step to climb the ladder. He’s a weak, meek and quiet character. I’ve played different roles n the past and this one is a little more ‘real’. I want the audience to relate to the play. I need to calm myself to get into character so it sounds more believable. I do have some similarities with my character and the other elements I have to work on. It’s Gehan’s first time directing and he has a lot of insight. He also gives us the freedom to share our ideas. The audience should be prepared and be open minded. Certain parts are intense and there is comedy within as well. Audience will be able to relate.

Dino Corea as “John Williamson”

He is a political appointment. He’s there not because of experience but because he knows the owners of the company. His character is such that he doesn’t like anyone. And he tolerates those who make the most money as salesmen in the company. A very stuck-up, cold and cynical guy – always has his back covered. There are certain people in his books that he’ll never like – Levine. I’ve acted with Gehan multiple occasions. I’ve learnt a lot and I’m comfortable working with him. I’ve never played an evil role so I’m exploring new turf with help from others.
The rehearsals are good. Because of the caliber of acting, I’m constantly brushing up and polishing my act. It’s been a great learning experience.

Dominic Kellar as “Shelley Levine”

I play the role of the oldest man in the office. Levine was a superstar in his days but now his only motivation seems to be because of his daughter who is very ill. It’s a new role for me and I have to play it calm. Gehan is fun to work with. He has a clear vision and is open to advice. We bring in a coordinated effort in the production. We consider each other’s ideas which has helped tremendously. The rehearsals have been decent. You have to be in character for the longest time. The timings have to be perfect and fast paced accordingly. I’m a little worried as to how the audience will react to the language. Yet, the play can be related to as it deals with ‘real men with real life problems’.

Rajiv Ponweera as “Ricky Roma”

Balancing work and rehearsals has been a nightmare but it's been a worthwhile sufferance. Never before have I turned up at a rehearsal and ended up playing one-bump with a stress ball. It's been that kind of experience right throughout. You never feel like you're really working hard because everyone helps you through the process. It's been an absolute pleasure working with Gehan and an honour to be acting alongside such big names in Sri Lankan theatre.

Hans Bilimoria as “Blake the Motivator”

It's been a pleasure working with this young and passionate team, the future of theatre is in good hands.

Miranga Ariyaratne as “Detective Baylen” 

I play the role of 'baylen' - a tough, no nonsense kind of detective who has been tasked with investigating a robbery that has taken place in the real estate offices. Its a cameo that complements and adds to the overall plot. The challenge in playing this role is finding the footing that fits in with the overall complexion of the play. Mamet didnt hard code the characterisation of baylen. Thus, its portrayal is very much open to the director's interpretstion. This is a little different from the leads and the cameos that i had played over the last decade. But gehan had a fixed image about every character and its role in the play from the very beginning. So it was pretty easy to transfer that onto portryal.

Niren Neydorff as “James Lingk”

He doesn’t have much to say. A ‘hen-pet husband’ who wants to please everyone. He is easily impressionable. This is different from the roles I have done in the past which were mostly comical. this is more emotional. I’ve known Gehan since school so I know how he thinks. He’s more focused when it comes to directing and its been good to be a part of this production.

By Hasna Saleem
Photos courtesy Malaka MP