What's their dark secret?


You be the judge! Discover the ‘dark secrets’ of this chosen group of performers in Reality Show, a radical theatrical experience by Jehan Aloysius. The production makes us interrogate the darkness of our own identities and the roles we perform in society.

29 – 31 May at 7.30 p.m. at the Lionel Wendt Theatre!

Jehan Aloysius, the show’s creator explains, “Reality Show is a play about performers and performances, both onstage and in society, as well as the forces that control our actions, thoughts and ideas. The show has many recurring themes, which include the ‘construction’ and destruction of identity in its many forms, such as ethnic, national, gender, sexual and even mental and physical identity. The show also explores the symbiotic relationship between the performer and their audience.” These are presented using a variety of theatre techniques and narrative devices, since they are in fact stories told by characters in their own personal style.


Jehan originally created Reality Show over a nine month period in 2014 for a Sinhala language cast and audience, though a series of devising sessions and drama workshops. The workshops sessions were planned with improvised scenarios based on the themes Jehan wished to address through the show. The original troupe consisted of performers from the Sinhala language stage and screen, as well as drama students from the University of Visual & Performing Arts.

In fact, this Sinhala language production, which Jehan staged last November, was hailed as “the cleverest, sharpest, edgiest exploration of life in its raw reality...” in the press and earned standing ovations every night. The show was also selected to represent Sri Lanka at the 17th Bharat Rang Mahotsav International Theatre Festival in Delhi, as well as the parallel festival in Goa in February this year. Moreover, Reality Show was also selected for the final round of the State Drama Festival. No doubt the English language production will engage and entertain a new audience.   


The stellar cast includes Sean Amarasekera (Phantom of the Opera), Dmitri Gunatilake (Phantom of the Opera), Damien Fernando (Rag – The Musical), Chalana Wijesuriya (Men Without Shadows), Feroze Ahamed (Men Without Shadows) and Niren Ranasinghe (Phantom of the Opera) as well as talented newcomers Yasas Ratnayake and Udani Perera who are a name for themselves.

This ensemble of eight outstanding performers who have been carefully chosen and trained by Jehan, rise up to the physical and emotional demands of performing all aspects of the play. While the original Sinhala language cast had nine months to discover, develop and refine their characters, the English language cast has taken on the challenge of completing this process within just two and a half months. Indeed, for most of the cast, this production has been the most challenging theatrical effort of their career thus far! Moreover, since Jehan’s productions usually showcase the performers and their skills, rather than frivolous sets and costumes, all have been trained in new physical and acrobatic skills, while some have even had to master the playing of an instrument for the show!


The basic plot of the drama is as follows: A group of actors receive messages to come to an abandoned theatre for what they imagine will be an audition. The voice that calls himself ‘The Director’ challenges them to create the ‘Ultimate Reality Show’, based on the ‘dark secrets’ of their individual histories. If they fail to create a ‘truthful’ show that satisfies The Director, he will make them pay with their lives.


Don’t miss Reality Show from 29th – 31st May at the Lionel Wendt. The show features lighting by Thushan Dias and music composed and performed by Jehan Aloysius.


The show is more suitable for adult audiences due to mature themes and language. The Box Office opens at the Lionel Wendt from 15th May.

Call 0112695794.