Indu Dharmasena and the crew are geared to catch the audience unawares as the Lionel Wendt transforms into Sam Boladeniya’s ‘Wild Life Lodge’ where love, lies and wildlife merge on one ground. As the staff of the Lodge hastily prepare for the arrival of Niranjan Papolwatta who brings with him a whirlwind of complications leaving everyone on the verge, here’s a glimpse at the inmates of the Lodge…
“Siri” : Sam Boladeniya’s trusted man. Plunged into a stratum of society that he does not belong to, Siri strives to strike a balance between doing his job and playing a game of deceit alongside his master on which the plot hinges. “He plays the fool but is genuinely interested…” said Yasal Ruhunage who plays Siri. Will Siri serve to contribute to the commotion or diffuse the situation at the Lodge?
“Anuradha”: Niranjan Papolwatta’s wife who “takes great pride in her husband” and is kept in the dark throughout her life (and the play) about her husband’s illicit liaisons. “She is the typical Colombo housewife… less exposed and looks forward to simple pleasures...” said Keshya Leitch who plays Anuradha. Will she continue to remain blinded to her husband’s infidelity?
“Sam”: The owner of the Wildlife Lodge who sets ablaze the chain of lies in an attempt to play neutral ground and save Papolwatta’s marriage. “He claims he is a ‘softie at heart’ ”, says Indu Dharmasena who plays Sam, and is on a one track journey to please everybody on board, willing to go three extra miles to ensure he is in everyone’s ‘good books’. With the reputation of his establishment at stake, will Sam be able to sustain the lies and save Papolwatta’s marriage at the same time?
“Manori”: The trainee receptionist at the Lodge. “She is interested in the hospitality trade… but is a little… lost,” says Sanwada Dharmasena who takes on the role Manori. As she is plunged into the deep end of dealing with the persons concerned in the maze of lies upfront, she finds herself in the face of a predicament similar to Siri where it is “a conflict between job and morality”. Which will she be compelled to choose?
“Namali”: The refined, educated yet demanding journalist on board to review the Wild Life Lodge for a prominent magazine. Played by Nihili Senerath, the staff is on pins as they struggle to ensure Namali does not witness the tangles the other inmates of the Lodge have found themselves in. Will the staff be successful in keeping Namali blinded to the commotion?
“Rehana”: The environmentalist and friend of Namali who is single mindedly focused on her area of interest. Due to her undivided focus, she “misses out on all the action”, says Senalli Ranathunga who takes on the role of Rehana. Will Rehana find herself in the web of deceit or remain oblivious to it throughout the play?
“Niranjan Papolwatta”: The philanderer and protagonist of the play. At the Lodge on a ‘business deal’ with an eminent actress, it is around him that the web of lies is woven around. “I like my ladies but I have a humongous soft spot for my wife… marriage is priority but I like to have a little fun” said Anoop Ranathunga describing the role he embodies in the play. Will Niranjan be successful in keeping his wife oblivious to his illicit liaisons and saving his marriage simultaneously?
“Surekha”: The eminent, attractive actress who is defined “ambitious”. On a quest to prove wrong the stereotypical framework of women her uncle and aunt resolutely stand by, will Surekha, played by Sanjula Amarasekara stand her ground and prove them wrong? Will the purpose of her visit to the Lodge be accomplished or will she fall prey to the web of deceit?
“William Gasgoda”: Loud, straight laced wildlife enthusiast “of the first generation”. Gasgoda believes “a woman’s place is in the kitchen” and is a zealous follower of the policy, “there is a system for everything” according to Anushan Selverajah who embodies Gasgoda. With regard to Surekha, the award winning actress who is also his niece, “he takes the credit when it suits him”. Where will William find himself in the commotion on stage?
“Mrs. Gasgoda”: Wife of William Gasgoda, aunt of Surekha. Mrs. Gasgoda, enacted by Chithranga Kariyawasan, is but a “gentle but strong” woman who “loves to help people”. Where will Mrs. Gasgoda find herself in the tangle?
Meet the inmates of the Wild Life Lodge, unravel the mysteries and the tangled ends as “Love, Lies & Wildlife” comes alive at the Lionel Wendt Theatre from the 16th to the 18th of August 2013 at 7.30pm.
This play is presented by the Kingswood Union Colombo Branch in order to raise funds for the development of educational and sports activities at Kingswood College, Kandy. Tickets are available at the Wendt.
By Sapthika Jacob
Pics By Waruna Wanniarachchi
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