‘The Dowry Hunter’ : A vintage comedy by Jith 

The Dowry Hunter by S.J.K Crowther, the next production by Jith Peiris revolves around a concept of politics going 70 years back in time. Speaking to the Daily Mirror Life about his next production Jith mentioned that he was ready to show some vintage comedy to his drama fans. Relating a dialogue from the play Jith said, “I am quite shocked to know that thinking patterns of the people from then to now have remained the same. For example one dialogue reads as follows : “What is politics like today?” and the answer comes in this way : “It is like the Galle Road, very messy.”

Synopsis

The play has been produced at the time when the State council was in full bloom just before the Parliament was introduced. Some members sought elections with altruistic motives. At the time Sir Lawrence Olivier had been a famous money lender and people have been dependent on him. Don Alexander Amaradasa has been an important figure at the time because he was serving in the state council and had had an urge to extend his seat in parliament. The plot revolves around Upali Katunayake, a young man who has won the Irish sweepstake, a famous lottery at the time. He is nobly assisted by his colleague Steven Silva to invest the money he has won for something good.  Here he comes across Amaradasa who wants to sell his seat for the money. The play goes through many hysterical twists and turns and is sure to keep the audience laughing till the end.

Other plays

Speaking about his other productions Jith said that he was reviving this play after 20 years. “ I am happy to say that the person who is playing the main role will direct it this time and he is none other than Indu himself. I have been involved in productions such as Well Mudliyar how?, He comes from Jaffna and Senator. Also I would like to mention the fact that one of the earliest icons in the drama industry was E.C.B Wijesinghe and his grandson Kanishka will be performing in this production. The bottom line of the story is that even with changing constitutions, life remains the same.”

The Cast and Setting

The cast comprise of Indu and Sanwada Dharmasena, Avishka De Alwis, Kanishka Wijesinghe, Yasal Ruhunage and Ruwendi Wackwella. The play will be done in a Dutch-type home setting.

Message to all drama lovers

In his concluding remarks Jith Peiris said that even after he retires, the younger generation should produce his plays in future. “I have lived in it in full spirit and I want the younger generations to enjoy drama because you will ultimately have a vast recollection of memories to cherish for a lifetime.”

The Dowry Hunter will be staged at the Lionel Wendt on June 12, 13 and 14 from 7.30pm onwards.

By Kamanthi Wickramasinghe
Photograph by Indrarathne Balasuriya