On 11 October veteran thespians Namel and MaliniWeeramuni hosted at the Namel-MaliniPunchi Theatre in Borella, an evening of critical discussion focusing on the play Handa Nihanda (Vocal and Silent) by veteran actor, playwright and director Dr.JayalathManorathna. The forum which started at 4.30pm, was open to all theatre enthusiasts, and was well attended. Yours truly was invited to speak at this forum by the hosts on the basis that I was one of the first to review the stage play Handa Nihanda; the review having appeared in the Sunday Observer –March 13 issue, after the play debuted on the 4 March at the Wendt. The session was chaired by veteran journalist and critic TilakKuruvitaBandara who is also the Editor of the Silumina. A cross-section of views came out from the attendees that evening which related to aesthetics and theatre craft as well as politics and art. The attendees all showed great interest in the discussion that unfolded with diverse views which created an interactive dialogue between the artistManorathna who offered a host of answers to questions that arose from the attendees.
Theatre as an art is possibly the most engaging medium of live performance where art imitates life. Critical discussion to build public discourse about works of theatre is essential to foster critical thinking among people and also promote a culture of constructive theatre criticism. Namel and MaliniWeeramuni have opened their doors of the Punchi Theatre as a space to develop public discourse on Sri Lankan theatre through ‘Theatre Chat House’ which will happen as a monthly event. The next stage play to be discussed will be JayanthaChandrasiri’s Hankithi Dahathuna (The Thirteen Tickles) which will happen in early November. It must also be mentioned that the maiden ‘Theatre Chat House’ session held on 11 October received the kind of support in the form of a sponsorship from Hatton National Bank. At a time when Sri Lankan theatre needs much patronage from both the public and the State to not only develop, but at times simply to survive, the support shown by HNB must be applauded. I sincerely hope that the monthly Theatre Chat House at Punchi Theatre will go from strength to strength and become a strong and vibrant forum for theatre criticism and appreciation to develop as a public discourse among the people.