Lionel Wendt a Photographer, musician and patron of the arts was born in an era where ideologies were shifting and common political practices were starting to lose their strongholds. However (as noted by Len Van Gayzel) this was also a time when people regarded painting as a genteel and harmless hobby something more suitable for the young ladies. Something a real man wouldn’t indulge in.

 

Interestingly Wendt was also a barrister and had joined the inner temple in London in 1919 though he did not practice for long. He was a man of independent means and had the leisure to pursue his interests. Internationally He’s remembered as the innovative, imaginative and sensitive photographer who found his country and his people the ideal subjects for his camera.

 

His house was the setting for many artistic events. It contained a concert grand piano. He was a first class pianist and had studied at the royal academy of music. The walls were covered by George Keyt and Geoffrey Beling and his own mural-sized photographs. After his death his home was converted to what we know today as the Lionel Wendt Theatre and Art centre. It seemed only natural to do so.

 

Up his until his early death in 1944 he was the power behind the 43’ group. A group that was out of favor with the establishment represented by the Ceylon Society of Arts, which systematically voted out their submissions to the annual exhibition. This group was made up originally by nine distinguished artists each one of whom who worked in individual styles and pursued different ideals. Legendary artists such as Geoffry Beling, George Keyt, Ivan Peiris, Harry Pieris, Justin Daraniyagala were members of this salon de rejects.

 

To celebrate his one hundred and eleventh birthday a festival of art was presented by the Lionel Wendt Memorial Fund at Wendts own home. Paying homage to Wendt’s love for art, the Lionel Wendt Gallery held an exhibition of art and sculpture by Sri Lankan artists and the Harold Peiris gallery displayed the works of the famous H.A Karunaratna, fondly referred to as “Karu”.

 

In true Wendt style this particular festival united the forces of Sinhala theatre and English theatre of Colombo. A gala of scrumptious plays was staged, from the 23^rd until the 27^th of November. They were 

 

Chekku – a satire based on the sociopolitical system of the country written by Parakrama Niriella, Directed by Thiyagaraja Sivanesan and Ronika Chamali.Bernadage

Sipiri Geya – the translation (by Ranjini Obeysekara) of the House of Bernarda Alba by Garcia Lorca, Directed by Priyantha Sirikumara

Bakamuna Weedi Basi – A darkly humorous political reflection written and directed by award winning playwright Rajitha Dissanayake.

The Amazing Krispinsky – by the Scottish Eric Coble, Directed by Chamath Arambewala.

Starving Children – by well known Hollywood personality Eric Bogosian, Directed by Ruvin de Silva.

 Commencing – a play exploring the stereo types that exist in our minds by filmmaker and playwright Jane Shepar, Directed by Brandon Ingram.

Coriolanus – by Shakespeare an excerpt performed by the drama society of D.S Senanayake College, Directed by – Sashane Perera

Charandas – another award winning play written and directed by Parakrama Niriella

 

This festival showcased the talent of not only familiar theatre faces of Colombo but also a group of enthusiastic kids. Abdul Baasit from “Coriolanus” proudly claimed that “It was a good feeling acting for the festival”. Although there was much reverence by the participants of the plays, Ms. Dilrukshi Wijenaike manager of the Wendt voices her disappointed “I expected a bigger crowd”

Lionel Wendt was a man who disregarded traditional perspectives of his time. A man, who firmly believed in his work and the work of his colleagues and saw art beyond the visual of the masses. It is because of his views, principles and ideals that his home was converted in to what we now fondly refer to as “The Wendt”. In years to come when future generations refer our history, Lionel Wendt would certainly be a dominant figure of the 20^th century. Hence it is our civic duty to attend the celebrations of this true visionary

 

Happy Birthday Mr. Wendt. Your looking handsome as ever !

(Text by Shazana Hamid)