Finally the Devil comes out

One moment he’s the charming, arrogant, nefarious Devil. The next, he’s the hapless blues singer and gambler, trying to make a deal. In between, he’s also the narrator of the story. Watching Marsh Dodanwela playing his role in ‘The Devil and Billy Markham,’ it’s hard to remember that this is a one man play, with a single actor depicting all the characters. Changing his tones, expressions, gestures and stance, Marsh subtly slips from one role to the other, doing justice to what is undoubtedly a brilliant script.

Wrapping up the ‘NOIR - Extra Dark Theatre Fest’ this week, StageLight&Magic presents two more productions – David Mamet’s ‘The Interview’ and Shel Silverstein’s ‘The Devil and Billy Markham’. Both plays focus on the theme of hell – a fitting finale for a theatre festival that revolved around disturbing subjects and dark humour.

“The Interview is actually a nice little opening act for The Devil,” says Feroze Kamardeen, who directs ‘The Interview’, adding that the second play is the highlight of the evening. In this extremely creative play Billy Markham – an out-of-luck songwriter with an addiction for gambling – takes on the devil in an ultimate battle. The clash of wits between the devil and Billy unfolds throughout an hour-long narrative poem told in rhyming couplets. It includes a host of other minor characters as well, such as the world’s greatest hustler's agent Scuzzy Sleezo and God himself – all played by the single actor.

“The Devil and Billy Markham requires a brilliant actor and amazing effort,” says Feroze, pointing out that Marsh’s depiction of the roles is simply exceptional. With a minimalist setting, and no intermissions, the onus is on him to keep up the pace of the story. Marsh himself accepts the challenges of the role with alacrity – “It’s such a beautifully written script,” he reflects, “viciously honest, and viciously humorous.

In the words of Ifaz Bin Jameel who directs the play – “If there was an amusement park in hell – then The Devil and Billy Markham is the rollercoaster ride.” Paving the way for this play is the intriguing dialogue that takes place in ‘The Interview’. This shorter performance portrays an intense interrogation between a sleazy lawyer and an agent from hell. As one listens to the oblique questions and answers, it is apparent that this is a universal discussion that has been carrying on for eternity. “It’s a conversation that could be actually taking place in real life – a political debate, or a heated discussion,” says Jithendra Seneviratne who plays the lawyer, adding that it gives the opportunity to bring in a subtle bit of humour.

An argument arises over something as mundane as the ownership of a lawnmower which surprisingly turns out to be the crux of the discussion. The lawyer is forced to admit the truth about his life and career, leading to the unexpected twist at the end of the play. The story itself is quite straightforward, says Sashane Perera who depicts the agent from hell.

As the feast offered to Sri Lankan theatre-goers during the past month comes to an end, Feroze Kamardeen says that the immense efforts put in by the entire crew, including the three directors, have really paid off. “The theatre festival has been a tremendous success in terms of pure artistic achievement. We’ve had an excellent response and attracted a very mature and appreciative audience.” He feels that an even better and larger variety of theatre can be expected in consecutive festivals, with the participation of more actors and directors.

The plays will be staged at 7.30 p.m. at the Punchi Theatre on July 26, 27 and 28.