The Cast
Jun 11 2013.
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Set to go on the boards on the 14th, 15th and 16th of this month, the Silent Hands production of Ed Lange’s Sherlock Holmes’ Secret Life, directed by Jehan Bastians has roused much curiosity among drama enthusiasts in Colombo.
We caught up with a cast rehearsing in full swing for their thoughts and views on taking up their respective roles.
ROSHNI GUNARATNE – MISS SMITH
Roshni repeatedly referred to the role as being “enigmatic.” “Mariana is a character who is predominantly on stage. A downright enigmatic woman, audience will find the dynamic she has with other characters curious, she will evoke several questions from the audience and get them involved. In playing the role, I can definitely relate to her in some ways, in others, I have to step out of my comfort zone, which is a good thing! The character is one that progresses throughout the play.”
SHANAKA AMARASINGHE – HOLMES
Shanaka plays Sherlock!! Sums it up by saying, “bit of a big cross to bear!” “….. I am fascinated by the character and being able to convey the quickness of his mind on stage is a challenge. The particular script is not just about Sherlock, others get equal prominence. I am trying as best as I could to bring out the authentic, genuine character. The task at hand is daunting for all of us; but if people are willing to have an open mind about it, we’ll be able to pull it off.”
ANDRE PERERA – JAMES MORIARTY
“This is the first time I am playing a bad guy and the first time with Silent Hands. The role is of this evil genius, and even though he is brilliant, he’s also very very dark, gets bored very easily. Evil and yet unpredictable.” In response to if he’s one of those villains, the audience begin to warm up to, Perera said, “They will definitely hate him towards the end!” “I am enjoying, exploring another side of acting. It’s fun for me!”
KANISHKA HERAT – WATSON
Ed Lange’s version does not show the stereotypical Watson; the supportive figure, colleague and even subordinate to Sherlock. Kanishka says, “In this one, Watson is an equivalent, not a minion or sidekick. It is challenging in the sense that, I need to understand how I am expected to play it, in the process understand my role. There is even a certain level of competition between Holmes and my character, as the audience will find out. I absolutely love it because I am a big fan of Sherlock and enjoying myself trying to live the character of Watson.”
VIRAN COREA – LESTRADE
“Lestrade being merely Lestrade is not on the same wavelength as Holmes. I find it really rewarding. In playing a known character, the preconceived notions may be true. The Sherlock Holmes in this play is a little different to the one everyone knows. Everyone is influenced by his/her life experiences with this character. This production, however, gives something fresh to the old, well-known character.”
NEIDRA WILLIAMS – MS. HUDSON
“It’s lovely how this story of the characters created by Sir Arthur Conon Doyle is one that gives prominence to all the characters, adds a dimension, rounds the characters further and humanizes them. The idea of the character of Ms. Hudson is narrow usually, but in this play, Ed Lange has added dimension and volume to her role. It’s a challenge, but I’ve got some juicy lines to say and I am looking forward to playing the role. Three out of nine characters are female and have strong, individual character development”
ANURUDDHA FERNANDO – WATSON/NARRATOR
Playing the narrator, I am pretty much at the same location throughout the play. There is a young Watson too and I think the development from his role t mine is beautifully developed. From playing lead roles, to taking up a role that is not constantly the spotlight, this is a good change.
LAUREN W. BASTIANS – MOLLY
Young Lauren plays the role of Molly. “It is certainly a challenge to play the role of a twenty year old, but I am happy to take up the challenge.”
Tickets are priced at Rs. Rs. 1500.00, Rs. 1,000.00 Rs. 750.00 Rs. 500.00 (balcony) and are available at the Lionel Wendt. Show commences at 7. 30 p.m. and will run for approximately two hours.
Co-Sponsors are the Standard Chartered Bank while LITE FM and TNL Radio are Electronic Media sponsors and Harpos, the ticket sponsor. The Sunday Times and Daily Mirror are exclusive print media sponsors.
Interviewed by Nivedha Jeyaseelan
Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi
0 Comments
Neidra says:
Jun 12, 2013 at 12:00 amWOW !!! Thanks for the lovely coverage LIFE !! Neidra
Heshika Gunasekera says:
Jun 26, 2013 at 12:00 amI have got to say I have never seen this much of talent on one stage in any play before...