For those of you who were able to come watch it, I’m sure you have no regrets whatsoever. For all those who couldn't; you just missed one of the best productions in Sri Lankan theatre! We witnessed some of the very best in acting from the cast throughout the evening as the tone for the night was already set with mystery and thrill just as Mike Mason (Andre Perera) and Sue Thompson (Liza de Jong) started off the opening act.

The characters were given justice to their roles, and all four mains played their part to the best of their ability. The distinction from one character to another was crystal. The audience personally felt the emotions acted on stage by each one of the actors, right from the sarcasm to the desperation and suicidal moment in the end.

Our hearts went out to the three women – Elizabeth Mason (Neidra Williams), Doctor Julie Campbell (Shanuki De Alwis) and Sue Thompson (Liza de Jong); at different parts of the play, seeing how they were all affected by this one man - Mike Mason (Andre Perera). The play also had the audience at the edge of their seats and some of us even jumped off in fear – Yes, it was that intriguing!

Another element that deserves a special mention was the way the comedy was transported through the script in terms of sarcasm. We needed to pay attention to the sarcasm to understand between the lines to bring out the humour. Overall, the script was fantastic and the play was acted professionally.

We managed to stall a few members of the audience to ask them about the ‘Blood Money’ production and here’s what they had to say…

Shayan – Mike was the best – he was good.

Tharindu – Could have improved on the timing and lighting. It was good overall!

Kisholi – Shanuki was really good!

Daminda – I think the host of the TV personality of the year in the play was very good. He was entertaining.

Leyanvi – it was nice and Shanuki was very convincing…

Shelomi, Nimhani and Gayathri – It was very intense throughout. Doctor Julie Campbell was the best.

We also spoke to Javin Thomas – director of Blood Money which was his first production as a member of the Silent Hands Creative Circle.

”Blood Money – done, but by no means dusted. My debut production journey would not be complete without a big, grateful shout-out to all the talented, committed, supportive, crazy and awesome people behind the magic. Thank you Jehan and Neidra, for the opportunity, the experience and the support you have both given me in the past, and in directing Blood Money. I really appreciate your vote of confidence in me. To Rohan, Gihan and Panduka, thank you for the icing on the cake: the brilliant lighting; and a big thank you to the backstage and FOH crew who, amidst all the theatrics and general madness, made sure that the necessary practical aspects of the show ran smoothly from start to finish. To the cast – Neidra, Shanuki, Liza and Andre – I’ll always be extremely grateful for all the good times, dedication and commitment, and for agreeing to be a part of this production. And finally, to all of you- my family, friends, and audience – all of you who have been with the production in numerous ways from well-wishing messages to feedback; and to the sponsors (SP Solutions , Khao Shong , Harpos , Efm ,The Sunday Times, Daily Mirror, Life Online), without whom we would not have dreamed of continuing with this venture, a big thank you !!!!”

By Hasna Saleem
Pics of the play by Trinushka Perera
Pics of audience members by Nisal Baduge