Fairytime is near!

Saturday, 8 October 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Colombo is all abuzz once more as audiences eagerly await the return of the wild fairies who are back to tickle, tease and titillate their imagination at ‘Pyramus & Thisby,’ Jehan Aloysius’ hilarious adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ These mischievous fairies (who have also been sighted invading Jith Peiris’ recent comedy at the Wendt) are busily preparing for their spectacular show at the Punchi Theatre, Borella from 13 to 16 October at 7.30 p.m. This groundbreaking performance presented by CentreStage Productions is set to wow audiences.

‘Pyramus & Thisby’ is a magical blend of Shakespeare’s verse, exciting dance and music from low-country Sri Lanka. The play boasts a stellar cast of prominent English theatre personalities as well as dancers, acrobats and musicians. The show’s creator Jehan Aloysius states that, “The first three runs of ‘Pyramus & Thisby’ were a phenomenal success. The cast had worked so hard through months of gruelling pre-work and rehearsals devising the show at workshops, while also learning acrobatics and various styles of Eastern dance. It was humbling that the audiences were unanimous in their appreciation of the work that had gone into the show (there is even a fan group on Facebook).”

The plot revolves around a group of artisans, headed by Quince, as they rehearse a play titled ‘Pyramus & Thisby’ in the forest. A battle between the armies of the Fairy King and Queen over the mystical Indian boy and the machinations of the mischievous Puck, lead to chaos in the human world. Meanwhile, Bottom the weaver becomes the unwitting victim of a magical transformation, which leads him into the arms of the mesmerised Fairy Queen. In all this mayhem, the artisans wonder if they will ever be able to stage their tragicomedy – ‘Pyramus & Thisby.’

Jehan added, “This ‘return’ to fairyland is very specially for our fans who have been literally demanding this repeat show. We promise them something better and hope everyone who missed it previously gets a chance to see it. ‘Pyramus & Thisby’ has also become one of my most studied plays, with many university students deciding to focus on my devised adaptation for their dissertations, assignments and theses.” So don’t miss this dazzling family experience!

Make a date with the ‘Pyramus & Thisby’ from 13 to 16 October at the Punchi Theatre and experience a night to remember. The box plan is now open at the theatre so rush now as tickets are moving fast. Call 2672121 for ticket inquiries.

Pix by Shehal Joseph