The opening night of the first amateur production of Les Misérables in Asia by the Workshop Players was on the 1st of October at the Lionel Wendt Theatre.
The Workshop Players' (WSP) production of Les Mis was absolutely spot on. Opening night, WSP delivered a play that was memorable and emotionally moving.
The story starts with Jean Valjean; played by Jehan Aloysius (on 1 October), gaining freedom from the many years he spent in prison for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister’s dying child. He goes head to head with Inspector Javert, portrayed by Kanishka Herat, as the two clashes in personality and manner of thinking. Where Valjean sees grey, Javert sees distinctive black and white.
Upon his release to the society, Valjean struggles to find his way as a former convicted felon. Even though he desperately attempts to make an honest living, his difficulties lead to him falling back into his role of a thief. On the verge of being caught once more, Valjean is saved by the Bishop who grants redemption to Valjean’s wrong doing.
Saved and redeemed, Valjean is a changed man and he is moved to help those like him. His mission leads to his discovery of Fantine; played by Melanie Bibile, who upon her dying hour bestows Valjean the task of caring for her daughter Cosette.
Rescued from the clutches of the Thénardier’s, Valjean and Cosette make a life for themselves together. As the years roll on, the play shifts to a period in time in France at the height of war and revolution with the story of Valjean, Javert and Cosette constantly evolving.
The opening night production was cast very well with the characters and the actors sharing good chemistry. Jehan Aloysius’ performance was consistent and his portrayal of Valjean before and after the Bishop buys his soul is striking. Herat was in every way your ideal Inspector Javert. From his calculated movement to tone of voice, he gave a very thorough performance of his character.
Bibile’s portrayal of Fantine was absolutely haunting as she sang ‘I dream a dream’ and the characters Cosette (Shenali Pilapitiya), Marius (Gyles Dharmaratne) and Eponine (Amandhi Caldera) took the audience on an emotional roller-coaster as they watched the painful dilemmas of a love triangle. Caldera’s performance was exceptional and was perhaps the best performance that night. Her sacrificial death on behalf of Marius had a few audience members dabbing at their eyes.
The Thénardier’s played by Shanuki De Alwis and Sean Amarasekera provided comic relief, making the audience laugh and hoot at their vulgar but hilarious displays.
Les Mis was a show that kept people on their seats, eagerly awaiting whatever came next. From the lighting, the music and the detailed props – the play unfolded right in front of your eyes as if one was reading the book.
Directed by Jerome L. de Silva, music by Surein de S. Wijeyeratne and choreographed by Shanuki de Alwis, this is one production you really wouldn’t want to miss out!
The show will be in theatres until the 11th of October and tickets are priced at Rs 3500, 2500, 1500 and 600 (Balcony)
Here are some of the thoughts the audience shared with us;
“It’s great so far. We know couple of the cast members so we are supporting them” – Rachel
“It’s really good” - Daniella
“Really good. I really enjoyed it. Shanuki was really good!” – Rohini
“I thought it was very nice. I expected it to be very dark and gloomy but Jerome has done a fantastic job - from the stage set to the music to the actors. Very well executed” – Harshini
“I’ve seen this show in London as well. I think this is quite good. Some of the actors are quite good” – Sushila
“Good. Cast is really good. Actually enjoyed the last bit really well” – Yasas, Vilusha and Anjali
“It was great. The cast is good” – Tharya
“It was actually really good” - Nadeesha
“The cast is pretty good actually” - Avishka
By Panchali Illankoon
Pics by Waruna Wanniarachchi
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