Rajitha returns to the Wendt with ‘Adara Wasthuwa’

Rajitha Dissanayake’s new play Adara Wasthuwa (Love Object) will premiere at the Lionel Wendt theatre on August 2, 3 and 4 at 7.00 pm. The play follows his political satire Bakamoona Weedi Basi (Owl on the Street) which came out in August 2011.

Adara Wastuwa explores the intricacies of human relationships in a society where political and economic gains override ethical concerns. In some ways, it carries forward themes from Rajitha’s earlier plays like Mata Weditiyan Nedda, and Sihina Horu Aran.

“In Adara Wasthuwa I have strived to maintain a focus on human relationships and how people behave when they are betrayed in love and politics,” says Rajitha. “I am grateful to my team of dedicated actors who bring these characters to life and the audiences for their continued interest. My special thanks to the Sunethra Bandaranaike Trust for supporting this play and for its commitment to Sri Lankan theatre,” he added.

The play’s central character is Naveen— a university lecturer who doubles as a senior consultant to a government ministry. Naveen is drawn into a plot to overthrow the ruling party by his friend Suresh, a cut-throat media mogul. Meanwhile Madhavi, a former student of Naveen who writes for a leading news magazine, comes to interview him. The subsequent revelation of who she really is, sets in motion a chain of events with potentially grim consequences.

Rajitha has made his name as one of the most insightful playwrights to emerge in the last two decades. His plays have drawn crowds, sparked debate, won awards and toured internationally.

The cast of Adara Wastuwa comprises Shyam Fernando, Nadeeshani Peliarachchi, Gihan de Chickera and Nalin Lusena.