India felicitates 40 year journey of ‘Sekkuwa’
View(s):
The playwright, the cast and the crew of ‘Sekkuwa’ play which was produced 40 years ago were recently felicitated in India and Sri Lanka.
The play and its director Parakrama Niriella were felicitated at the “Bahuroopi” Annual International Drama Festival conducted by ‘Rangayana’ Theatre Arts Institute of Karnataka, India at the city of Mysore. Niriella was honoured as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the festival and was invited to deliver the opening address.
A special felicitation was given to Parakrama Niriella and his contributions to the field of theatre art and his munificent service for social and cultural development were quoted in the citation.
“Sekkuwa” drama, written and directed by Niriella was performed by Janakaraliya drama group as the curtain raiser or inaugural performance of the ceremony at the main theatre ‘KalaMandeer’ of ‘Rangayana’ Institute.Following this Janakaraliya drama group celebrated this milestone drama in the Sri Lankan theatre at Dr.Panibharatha Hall of the University of Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo recently. Orations were done by literary and drama critic Sugath Watagedara and veteran journalist Mr.Kusal Perera.
All artistes connected to the creation of ‘Sekkuwa’ from 1976 were felicitated at this special ceremony.
The premier of the first creation by Parakrama Niriella, ‘Sekkuwa’ was held on December 31, 1976 at the Lumbini Theatre. ‘Sekkuwa’ is made based on a short fable written by S. G. Punchihewa under the title ‘Ahethuwata Hethuwa’ (Cause for Causeless).