jehan is producing pyramus & thisby end of october at the lionel wendt, soon after sound of music. this will be his third production for this year along with caliban's rebellion and the day will come.
- The play: Pyramus & Thisby
- Presented by: CentreStage Productions
- Devised & directed by: Jehan Aloysius
- Music & Choreography by: Jehan Aloysius
- Music performed by: Avanti Perera
- Dates: 31st October - 2nd November 2008
- Venue: Lionel Wendt Theatre
- Time: 7.30 p.m.
The Ultimate Production of 'Pyramus & Thisby'!
Fantastic news for theatre lovers! The wild and wonderful fairies are back by popular demand to tickle, tease and titillate Colombo audiences. CentreStage Productions is presenting a much anticipated third run of their hit 'magi-comedy' Pyramus & Thisby at the Lionel Wendt Theatre from 31st October to 2nd November at 7.30 p.m. The spectacular performance, which is adapted, designed and directed by Jehan Aloysius, is a hilarious evening of supernatural drama and dance.
The play is a magical blend of Shakespeare's verse, exciting dance and music from low-country Sri Lanka. Pyramus & Thisby boasts a stellar cast of prominent English theatre personalities as well as professional dancers, acrobats and musicians from around Sri Lanka. The troupe's recent successes include the sell-out productions of Caliban’s Rebellion, Bengal Bungalow, Rag – The Musical, The Ritual and The Day Will Come... – all of which have enjoyed full houses and excellent reviews.
Pyramus & Thisby is indeed regarded as the most magical experience offered by CentreStage Productions. The performance is constructed from the two sub-plots of the 'mechanicals' and the fairies in Shakespeare’s supernatural masque, A Midsummer Night's Dream. The adaptation, which is set in low-country Sri Lanka at the turn of the 19th century, features the trademark narrative techniques of CentreStage Productions such as fusion-dance, music, mask rituals, acrobatics and physical comedy, coupled with Shakespeare's most lyrical verse. Prancing fairies, exciting choreography, supernatural rituals and state-of-the-art lighting makes the show a night to remember.
Pyramus & Thisby was an overwhelming success when it was first performed in 2006, receiving excellent pre-publicity on TV, radio and the press as well as rave reviews. Indeed, the show was unanimously hailed as a groundbreaking achievement in Sri Lankan theatre, prompting the even more successful four night repeat performances in 2007. The play has even established a fan base with repeat viewers. Hence, the production has been reworked from an outdoor show in order to accommodate this audience and present a spectacular, enhanced experience. The producers assure that family audiences will enjoy this interactive production which will have them rolling down the aisles.
What the critics say:
Where does one begin to appreciate such a scintillating spectacle? ... a feast of colour, sound and emotion – a veritable treat for all the senses... Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream was never so creatively adapted in Sri Lanka... groundbreaking theatre.
Wijith De Chickera
Living in Sri Lanka Magazine
A night to remember... a lasting impression on Sri Lankan theatre... a theatrical success.
The Sunday Times Mirror Magazine
Excellently choreographed... showed immense practice and flawless timing! ... and the attention to the finest detail were the essential ingredients that were added to the recipe holding the magical formula that ultimately infected the entire audience.
Savitri Rodrigo
Daily News and Mum & Me Magazine