| A theatrical encounter with a difference that Colombo audiences can look forward to comprises two everyday, almost mundane scenes.
Colombo audiences have been accustomed to a staple fare of light comedy or large scale musical productions. Encounters- promises to be different. This latest venture by The Performing Arts Company is a depiction of reality in its purest and simplest form. What sets it apart from other productions is that there are no gimmicks and the entire performance is based on acting, and acting alone.
Encounters consists of two dramas- ‘The Waiting Room’ by John Bowen and the Pulitzer Prize nominated ‘Love Letters’, by A.R. Gurney which will be staged as a double-header at the British School Auditorium from May 14-17 at 7 p.m.
Directed by Nafeesa Amirudeen, Encounters- and the drama ‘The Waiting Room’ in particular, is described as a theatre experience designed to leave the audience as confused as possible.
‘The Waiting Room’ deals with two individuals - Harriet and Paul in a waiting room. In character and attitude they are poles apart, but a little communication between the two reveals they have something in common, and the play builds up to this revelation. Ranmali Mirchandani and Mohammed Adamaly play the main roles with a cameo appearance by Tracy Holsinger.
"Ranmali and I performed ‘The Waiting Room’ around 15 years ago as part of a small reading,” recalls Adam. “For a long time since then, we have wanted to include it as part of a production and are glad to have finally got the chance to do so.”
Described by director Nafeesa as a play surrounded by an aura of mystery which is not solved until the very end, ‘The Waiting Room’ is a simple 35-minute drama, but gives out a poignant message focusing on the human ability to communicate, and the tendency to forget the power of communication.
‘Love Letters’ is a slightly longer drama of around 1 hour and 20 minutes. It deals with the relationship between two friends Melissa and Andrew (played by Tracy and Adam) who communicate through letters written over a period of about 60 years, and depicts an enduring friendship -- a refreshing change from the modern age of communication through social networking, IM’s and text messages.
“Love Letters is a drama in which the audience has to really listen to the dialogue, and the beautiful language used, makes it a treat to do so,” comments Nafeesa.
Adds Tracy, “The strength of ‘Love Letters’ lies also in its power of connecting with the audience- I’m sure many members of the audience would be able to relate to such a friendship- one in which the two friends are at complete ease with one another, and on occasion even share a little romance.”
At times, the drama has proved to be something of a challenge. “In ‘Love Letters’,
explains Adam, “not only do we not move, but with the exception of one fleeting glance, we do not even look at each other.”
And this is what differentiates Encounters from the normal theatre ‘encounter’. It not only goes back to the basics but its subtlety challenges the audience to actively participate in the story that unfolds, in addition to searching for its deeper meaning and finding its relevance in their own lives.
Commenting on the perception that for Colombo’s audiences, comedy and musicals are what work best, both director and actors acknowledge the fact that the audience for this genre of dram is comparatively small. “That does not mean though, that we should not perform more diverse forms of drama,” says Adam. “Part of the problem is that the audience has not been presented with a theatre experience varied enough to help them appreciate different genres of drama. It is time for a change. If the audience leaves the auditorium with a sense of having learnt something, or the need to further reflect on what was witnessed, we will know that we have been successful.”
Both plays have some funny moments but are essentially sensitive, and require some intimacy with the audience. Thus the stage will be brought up and two rows of seats, removed.
Tickets for Encounters priced at Rs. 1500, 1000, 750, 500 and 300 are available at the British School Auditorium. | 
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