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Want
to be different? Having also written a few short plays like 'Flight to Zurich' and 'The Mad Cow Disease', Manuka has earned quite a reputation as a playwright who writes not just with a passion but with a specific message for her audience. She has also been part of many of Indu Dharmasena's productions and though currently residing in Germany, had always dreamed of getting this particular show on the road. Some of her friends have teamed up to make her dream a reality. The play holds much meaning for Manuka, as she sees it as a first step towards not only showing society the error of its ways but also how it can be remedied. This play focuses on many social issues including homosexuality, racism, nationalism and acceptance, revolving around a Sri Lankan immigrant family in America, whose son Lal (Geoffrey Evarts) decides to 'come out of the closet' regarding his sexuality. His outraged parents take the drastic decision to return to Sri Lanka to find a suitable match (female, of course) for him. Much against his wife's wishes and better judgement, Lal's father returns home, only to be greeted by a host of narrow-minded, conventional relatives. Whilst Lal's father and his relatives seek out a perfect bride for Lal, the plot begins to thicken when Lal's American boyfriend Adam (Dominic Keller) comes to Sri Lanka in search of his partner. Lasantha Rodrigo, the young ex-Royalist, having received his degree in performing arts in the States, has taken on quite a challenge. Directing 13 young actors/actresses must be no easy task, but at the end of the day it's a lot of laughs and a learning experience all the way, he says. Although, he has been involved in many other productions both in and out of school, Lasantha sees this as his debut at being sole director of a play. Michael Holsinger who has significant experience working with performing arts groups like the Workshop Players, Stage Light and Magic and also as an integral part of Mind Adventures, is the producer of the show. The Tid-bit Theatre Company which is presenting the play, came together essentially to promote the concept of dinner theatre and any theatre combined with good cuisine. The objective is to provide audiences a perfect evening's entertainment complete with a scrumptious meal for a relatively economical rate. A special 'Fork Buffet' will be provided courtesy of Koluu's, whilst the wine will be supplied by Labels. Think you can handle some serious soul searching? Then the Barefoot Gallery's the place to be on the first weekend of January, for all those who dare to do things 'their way'! |
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