The Passion Play, Gelavumkaruvaano is produced annually under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Shihan Indika Perera, the Parish Priest of St Michael’s Church, Koralawella, Moratuwa. It is presented by the Parish Community. The Passion Play is staged this year according to a theme scripted by the Director Kamal Dias.
Compared to other traditional Passion Plays, Gelavumkaruvaano, does not figure out, as yet another passion play, but a number of special and specific features could be observed in it:
i) All who join hands in the production and staging of the Passion Play, as actors, costume designers, managers of lighting and electrification, and technical support crew are simply the parishioners.
ii) This is a stage play which any person can watch without any religious discrimination.
iii) The audience is enabled to view the Passion Play continuously, with no interruptions caused by the raising and lowering of curtains, as it unfolds on a grand stage, composed of three interlinked partitions.
iv) The audience is enabled to follow the story line without interruption, with a full view of the actors and their errands with the accompaniment of a rich audio experience of songs and dialogue, background music and special sound effects, arranged through pre-recording and crafty audio management.
This Passion Play has been staged, annually under different themes and scripts since 2012, with only a break in 2014, and it has received accolades and recognition at its highest level.
Most Rev. Dr. Maxwell Silva Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo and Most Rev. Dr. J. D. Anthony Jayakody Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo are scheduled to grace the 2019 staging of the passion play, as chief guests. The Passion Play will go on stage on April 5 and 6, 2019 at 7 pm. on the grand stage, erected at St. Michael’s Church (Koralawella) premises. Entrance is free of charge.
- M. J. J. Namal Dias