The Workshop Players returns with Fiddler on the Roof: A timeless musical at Lionel Wendt

Theatre enthusiasts in Colombo are in for a treat as the renowned theatre group, The Workshop Players, presents Fiddler on the Roof at the Lionel Wendt Theatre. Sponsored by Cargills, this highly anticipated production will run from 4 to 13 October. Directed by the celebrated Jerome L. de Silva, returning to the helm after a significant hiatus, the production is bolstered by the talents of Assistant Director Sean Amarasekera and Producer Johann Andrew Perera.

Adding to the creative force behind the scenes, Artistic Director for Music Surein de S. Wijeyeratne and Artistic Director for Choreography Joshua Fernandez bring their expertise to guide the young and talented cast.

Fiddler on the Roof, the beloved musical with music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and a book by Joseph Stein, has played somewhere in the world every single night since its Broadway debut 60 years ago and spawned the well-known 1971 Oscar winning movie.

Set in the small village of Anatevka in pre-revolutionary Russia in 1905, Fiddler on the Roof tells the story of Tevye, a humble dairyman, who strives to uphold his family’s traditions in a rapidly changing world. As Tevye faces the challenges of finding suitable husbands for his daughters, he must also confront the shifting social landscape and the pressures it places on his way of life. With humour, warmth, and a deep sense of resilience, the story captures Tevye’s struggles to balance the old with the new, all while his family’s future hangs in the balance. The title metaphorically represents Tevye’s life – like a fiddler on a roof, precariously balancing tradition while trying to embrace change.

The Workshop Players have not taken on a mega musical production such as this since 2017. Talking about why they chose this particular play and the joys of directing it, Jerome de Silva said, “I believe that the story of Fiddler is so relevant to us Sri Lankans that are a multi-cultural, multi religious, with varying ethnicities. Society still believes in tradition and the adherence to it, and the heartbreak that ensues when tradition is broken. This is the story of our lives, but love triumphs over all.”

“Directing Fiddler has made me realise how fragile life is, and life for us is a delicate balancing act like that of the Fiddler on the Roof.” 

Commenting on the experience of directing this young cast of actors and singers, Sean Amarasekera said, “Since its inception in 1992, The Workshop Players have always been about continuing the Traditions of Musical Theatre from one generation to the next. So, Fiddler on The Roof, one of the finest and final musicals of the Golden Age of Broadway and probably the first Concept Musical, was the perfect baton to pass on to this cast of mainly new blood”. Sean is happy to say, “The flame still burns strong.”

Having taken on the role of Music Director for a number of Workshop Players productions, Surien de S. Wijeyeratne expressed his views on how Fiddler on the Roof inspired him and challenged him. “Fiddler is the universal story of the displaced and persecuted minority. It’s a story that transcends time, geographical boundaries and political philosophies. Making this come alive is to breathe life into the very essence of the human experience, and being able to do that through music is magical,” he said.

Speaking of his involvement with the Workshop Players and the specific choreography that was required to make this show a success, Joshua Fernandez said, “The choreography styles are quite unorthodox to us as Sri Lankans and that has been the principal challenge with this production. But as always with a “can do attitude” bunch like The Workshop Players, we will pull it off.”

Fiddler on the Roof promises a memorable experience with its dynamic cast, engaging dance routines, and unforgettable music. Enjoy beloved classics like “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Matchmaker”, all brought to life through vibrant choreography and spirited performances.