Thrilling | Intriguing | Sarcastic | Mysterious – describe exactly what you can expect to see by the cast of Blood Money directed by Javin Thomas and produced by Jehan Bastians. Blood money is presented with special arrangement with the Samuel French Inc and is a proud production by the ‘Silent Hands’ creative circle.

Walking into one of their rehearsals, we spoke to the actors who play four immensely different strong roles in the play. The play being female dominated one, brings out different personalities portrayed by professionals in the theatre arena. Here’s what the cast had to say about each of their characters and how they bring justice to the play.

1. Shanuki De Alwis – Doctor Julie Campbell

I play the psychiatrist to Neidra’s character. She is a pretty elusive creature having an affair with Mr. Mason. I’m possibly the character with the most self control. I psycho analyse everyone and I’m a part of everybody’s life. This character brings out a new dimension to the play and is the more mature one in terms of persona – the only one who knows what’s going on about everyone else.

The practices are really good. Javin is verfy into getting everything right. We got along really well. It’s easy when you work with seasoned actors – rehearsals are effective. This genre of play is a first for me and I’m more used to comedies. This is different – so many twists and turns, keep you guessing all the time. There is a lot of wit and the style is different to what I’ve done.

2. Liza De Jong – Sue Thompson

The character is more or less my age so I can relate to her, maturity wise. She is your typical ‘girl next door’. People fancy her and she is aware of that but is not afraid to exploit that. She has a mischievous sort of nature but at the same time she is quite innocent. One might start off thinking she’s mischievous but it changes. Sue interacts with all the others. The others don’t see her as competition – they think they can manipulate and play her because she is also the youngest. But there’s a twist in her that you don’t expect and that is her strong suit.
The practices are fun! It has been really awesome. We are a close knit cast. Everyone has so much to bring to the table. I have learnt so much from the others. You can really feel the energy..

It is interesting to have Javin directing because he has a lot of ideas. We balance out our ideas. Come watch the show! It’s unpredictable and thrilling – a must see!

3. Andre John Perera – Mike Mason

Mike Mason is a popular TV show host in the play and he is a proud and egotistic ladies man. His personality is one that is open, genuine and outgoing. But there is actually a darker side to him, especially with his wife.

The play is dominated by strong women characters and it’s been a challenge because I interact with all three of the women. So I have to be different with all three of them. I’ve known Javin for quite some time now. He has a good insight and he knows what the characters should be. I hope the audience see what he wants them to see.

We have practiced 3 days a week and that would increase with the days close to the show. Everyone coming to watch should pay attention and listen to the subtleties to try to make a connection because some scenes are very intense.

4. Neidra Williams – Elizabeth Mason

I play a woman in her mid 40s with a sour relationship with her husband. She is cheesed off about now who may have had potential in her youth but had to give it all up. Elizabeth is very sarcastic about her husband and she’s bitter about the place that she’s in right now. She finds solace in her friendship with Doctor Campbell and alcohol. She’s very emotional and all over the place – a victim of circumstances.
She is aware that her husband is a womanizer. A lot of things around her are crumbling and this includes her outlook.

Javin and us go way way back. Now our roles are reverse. It’s nice to see certain aspects that he has picked up from Jehan and I. And in some ways he is himself. In the end it’s all abit of a workshop.

Silent Hands is our main umbrella. The creative circle was started last year where everyone can give in their input. This is the second one of that nature where mature actors from other theatre groups, with different styles/patterns and thinking get involved. These other influences help understand the play better.

The play is for anyone who loves theatre! It’s not all comedy but comes with a serious element to it. Come enjoy a good night of theatre!

Lighting specialists – Gihan and Rohan Jayatilleka

This is our second production with Silent Hands creative circle and we’ve known them for a while. We undertake all kinds of lighting for events but when it comes to drama lighting its different and we have done a specific type for this production. It’s always a challenge and this seems to be a little bit more.

Overall, it’s a good script and a lot of the unexpected. The audience has to be pretty sharp to catch the many interesting twists to it.

The show will go on boards on the 20th, 21st and 22nd of June 2014 at the Lionel Wendt theatre. Tickets are priced at Rs. 1500, Rs. 1000, Rs. 750 and Rs. 500 (Balcony) and are available along with the box plan at the Lionel Wendt.

By Hasna Saleem