STRIPPING OFF THE FAÇADE!

Reality Show, a radical theatrical experience by Jehan Aloysius exposes the reality behind the roles we play in life. 29th – 31st May at 7.30 p.m. at the Lionel Wendt Theatre!

CentreStage Productions and Jehan Aloysius have long been regarded as the producers of groundbreaking new theatrical experiences and original dramatic works in Sri Lanka. Jehan feels his newest work, Reality Show, will be equally groundbreaking.

Reality Show is a play about performers and performances, both onstage and in society. The show has many recurring themes which include the ‘construction’ and destruction of identity in its many forms, as well as the symbiotic relationship between the performer and their audience. These are presented using a variety of theatre techniques and narrative devices, since they are stories told by characters in their own personal style. This results in several unique mini ‘plays-within-the play’, which are bound together by a central plot which the director describes simply as, “a nightmare version of A Chorus Line”. Some of the theatre styles also consciously evoke some of Jehan’s signature techniques of his past productions!

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.

This challenging play is performed by an ensemble of eight outstanding performers who have risen to the demands of performing all aspects of the play with aplomb. As in all of Jehan’s productions, priority is given to the performers and their skills, rather than frivolous sets and costumes. The cast has seen their share of blood, sweat and tears during the creation of this theatrical work that is deeply rooted in very real situations and events.

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 newcomers Yasas Ratnayake and Udani Perera who are a name for themselves.

It’s worth noting that the 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.

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