* Vijaya Nandasiri drama festival from March 20 to 25 to mark 46 years in arts

 

 

A six-day drama festival will kick off at the John de Silva Memorial Theatre in Colombo on March 20, to mark popular actor Vijaya Nandasiri’s 46th anniversary in the arts scene.

 

Illuppitiya Mudiyanselage Vijaya Nandasiri entered the acting field via stage dramas. He joined the Maname troupe of Dr. Ediriweera Sarachchandra in 1973, and for decades he has been playing Prince Maname on stage. As a stage actor he consolidated his place in dramas like Sinhabahu, Rathnawali, Rankanda, Suba Saha Yasa, Vishva Sundari, Tharawo Igilethi, Sirisangabo, Kuweni, Hunuwataye Katahwa and others including his own productions like Kusa Pabawathi, Wrushaba Raja and Haratha Rejina.

 

 

Having entered films with Nedeyo, he became popular as a character actor playing Athula in Siri Pathula, Upali in Sasara, Ronald in Hingana Kolla, Kapila in Bangali Walalu and Ajith in Yasa Isuru. But people began to realize the multi-talents of Vijaya Nandasiri when he became Senarath in Yes Boss, Premachandra in Nonawarune Mahathwarune and Mangala Jaya in Sikuru Hathe.

 

He became the talking point of the people with his role as KING HUNTHER in the movie ‘King Hunther’ which screened to packed houses recently. He also plays the title role in the newest EAP Production ‘Ko Mark No Mark’ which will be released this year.

 

 

The following dramas will be staged at 6 pm at the John de Silva Memorial Theatre as part of the festival.

 

20 – Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra’s ‘Mahasara’

21 – Lalitha Sarachchandra’s ‘Kapuwa Kapothi’

22 – Vijaya’s ‘Wrushaba Raja’

23 – Vijaya’s ‘Kusa Pabawathi’

24 – Sarath Kulanga’s ‘Deiyoth Danne Nehe’

25 – Ravindra Ariyaratne’s ‘Balloth Ekka Behe’

 

 

Text by Ramesh Uvais