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Bringing alive the joy
By Nirmalie Alahakone
Is there hope for sinners? Did Jesus Christ really rise from the dead to save sinners? We believe that He suffered and died. But did He triumph over death and come back for us?

The foundation of Christian faith lies in the belief that Christ rose from the dead for us sinners. Veteran director Jith Peiris' re-enactment of the resurrection of Christ reiterates this : He is alive! With the assistance of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and the unstinted support of an entire community he brings to life Mano Pullanayagam's story of Easter to television.

The cast for 'He is alive' consists of members of the congregation of the Dutch Reformed Church. All of them except one are amateur actors. More interestingly, whole families with some members as young as three years old were involved.

Asked whether this was a problem, Jith replied that on the contrary he was impressed by the commitment of each member. Given the fact that the drama was shot at scenic locations (the Tewatte Basilica grounds, the beach in the vicinity of the Pegasus Reef Hotel and at the Dutch Reformed Church, Wellawatte) it would have been difficult to keep the younger members (and their attention) focused. But no, says Jith, even though filming for the 30-minute drama had to be completed within two days of shooting, it was no trouble to work with the children.

Did the main actors deliver? Yes, says Jith who was pleased with Lyndon Hannibal's portrayal of Jesus, that fit the picture he had in mind of the man from Galilee. From the opening scene where Jesus strides across the beach with His disciples to the scenes where He interacts with the children, Mary Magdalene and the sinful woman, Jith believes that the charisma expected of a Jesus figure comes through.

The Sinful Woman played by Roshni Foenander and Mary Magdalene played by Heather Jansz are commendable. Particularly memorable is Mary Magdalene's song 'Shackled' sung by Heather Jansz. It is the only song in the drama, says Jith.

Speaking of the drama Roshni said all attempts were taken to maintain an authentic feel throughout the entire production. From making sure no coconut trees were in the frame, to the ordering of specially made clay jars, and the painstaking creation of costumes by Mrs. Mitabi Gunawardene there was no cutting corners on the authentic feel of the drama.

It is not hard to believe in this recreation of Christ's last moments on earth. But this is not the same old story showed last year or the year before last. It is not another repetition of Christ's suffering.

The drama literally skims over the grief and focuses instead on the joy after the suffering: After the enactment of Jesus interacting with his people, His condemnation, the Way of the Cross and His death on the cross are depicted through still pictures.

The story comes alive again only when Jesus is laid to rest in the tomb and arises on Easter morn to comfort a weeping Mary Magdalene. He is indeed alive! 'He is alive' will be telecast on Channel Eye at 9.30 p.m. tonight.

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