ARSIKLAND MEEDIYA EXPLORES BOGG! 

The audience in the fully packed Lionel Wendt were ready to start off an evening filled with laughter when ‘Arsik Meediya’ explored the ‘Benefits of Good Governance’ referred to as BOGG. The politicians of ‘Arsikland’ had returned to entertain the comedy lovers of Colombo. 

This time around, the Lionel Wendt, formally known as Pusswedilla’s ‘Arsikland Nashnel Theatre’, was transformed into a ‘stoodiyo’, giving viewers the experience of being privy to a live studio interview at ‘Arsik Meediya’. The show started off with the ‘Arsikland’ anthem being played, and then the live news telecast followed. The first item on news, was the story of ‘Sandanika Family Defenders’. The audience caught on the innuendo instantly and were in fits of laughter. We Sri Lankans do know how to laugh! 

At the ‘stoodiyo’ Gyno Rupasinghe along with his partner, take a look at the change of the political scenario and events that have taken place from January 8th last year, while also exploring the relationship between the current political stage and the role of the media. 

As the play unfolded we were was introduced to a new entourage of faces including Arsikland’s new President H.E. Trymeepala Maruwedilla and new Prime Minister Hon. Wikrama Nikamsinghe. The rest of the impressive cast included the blundering combination of Cyril Nitharamasuffering and his partner, who were the ‘Thomson and Thomson’ of the stage, along with CNN’s constantly baffled Robert Westernthinking and Manjula Pachamaster. The little baby girl who was handed over to H.E Trymeepala for a couple of minutes as part of the act was adorable. The unsuccessful but lovable minister Sweetie Boley’s acting was remarkable. With a constant ‘lost’ look on his face, he was very comfortable in his role and executed his performance with much ease. The Prime Minister was very well cast. He had really done his homework well, in mastering the body language, actions, tone of voice and expression of the character he was portraying. Nigel his handsome P.A also suited the role he played. 

Comprehending the wit of this inherently political drama, cannot be done without an understanding of the larger political reality in this country. There were jokes made about Ajith Lovedasa and a special song for Issapennanayake with the whole cast doing a well-choreographed dance act. Nepotism, Corruption, FCID, Economics, Police Force and Death Penalty were just some of the topics that were discussed at the ‘stoodiyo’. For the most part, the cast speak a mix of Sinhalese and mangled English, and they never seemed to get their idioms and metaphors straight. 

In the final segment Chaminda Pusswedilla entered, and he started off with the recently much spoken of, underwear joke and continued for a short time. The dramas ended with the whole cast dancing to a Baila. 

Written and directed by Feroze Kamaldeen, the play in fact, does what political satire is supposed to do, which is to expose the shortcomings of the people in political offices. It revolved around a parodying of events which are very real to the average Sri Lankans who read and hear various versions of these events through the media. A parody constructed and designed to make an audience who enjoy political comedy of any sort, have a laugh! But it lacked the wow factor! 

Here are some mixed views from the audience. 

Shari Cooray 

It was very light entertainment. However a bit too long at least by an hour. The old Cyril needs to come back for sure! More of Puss would be welcoming.  Minister Sweetie Bole was excellent. The musical interludes were hilarious. 

Ameen Chatoor 

I was thoroughly disappointed. It was very boring. I had to buy a Fanta to sweeten up the evening. Honestly! 

Nilanthi Pieris 

There wasn’t much punch in the whole play. That is because it’s too early to make jokes about the government which is still new. There are not many issues to talk of. So it’s not very interesting. 

Dee Jayasinghe 

We’ve been to all the previous shows of Puss and enjoyed it. But this was such a drag that we walked out during the interval. They have really lost it. The jokes on the President was not appreciated. Also they made the audience queue in the lobby for over 30 minutes and everyone was suffering in the heat. 

Radhika Jinadasa 

Actually I don’t follow much politics but I found it interesting. I could relate to the similarities of the innuendos they were making. It was witty and gave a good spin without being too harsh on the reality, but, I think the play was definitely too long. A lot of people walked away. 

Nimal Wettimuny 

It’s hilarious. They’ve continued to do what they have been doing for the past so many shows. It’s enjoyable. 

Tania Wettimuny 

I think it’s very different to the previous ones. I have seen the previous Pusswedilla shows and I’m glad this is different. Otherwise the audience would have got really bored. I enjoyed it. 

Ruvini Fernando 

We’ve attended most of these plays and it has been fun but I was just hoping for a few more laughs in this one. 

Thirandi de Silva 

I think it was really entertaining and the actors are doing a really good job. I think the Arsik Meediya Unit setting was also quite funny. 

Gina Musajee 

I think it is okay. I am not too familiar with the political scene but it’s interesting. I had two translators on either side to explain the jokes. 

Reviewed by Niro Waidyaratne 
Photographs by Waruna Wanniarachchi