Torana launches ‘Thotupala’
View(s):The DVD version of ‘Thotupala’, a yesteryear popular theatrical production of veteran playwright and filmmaker G. D. L. Perera was released under Torana label recently.
‘Thotupala’ follows GDL’s cinema productions ‘Sama’, ‘Dahasak Sithuwili’ (Thousand Thoughts) and the children’s film ‘Ali Peter’ (Peter of the Elephant) which were also released on DVD format by Torana Video Movies. Earlier his other productions, ‘Rata Giya Eththo’ (Expatriates) and ‘Dinanno Paradinno’ (Expatriates II) teledramas on the livesof Sri Lankan expatriates were launched as DVDs.
First produced in 1964, the legendary play is based on ethnic tension prevailed in late 1950s. ‘Thotupala’ is played by Suranga Chamil Rathnayake, Malki Dileesha Silva, Kelum Tharanga Gunawardane, Ayesha Madushani Udukumbura, Raj Abeyratne and Channa Udayanga Ganegoda.
The celebrated stage play ‘Thotupala’ which comes with the tagline – ‘the place where hatred confronts gratitude’ evolves around Dingi Appu – the protagonist of the play who is a ferryman whose son is a soldier. He believes that all the good jobs had been taken by the Tamils and that they are responsible for the misfortune of his life. His daughter-in-law Pemawathi is pregnant and Dingi is anxious to see his grandson to take forward his lineage.
He openly reveals his hatred towards Tamils and cannot be convinced to change his mind set. One day he receives a message that his son has been killed and a Tamil doctor is responsible for it. His son had been providing security to a Tamil prisoner. Upon hearing this shocking news Pemawathi goes into premature labour. Ironically the Tamil doctor said to be responsible for the son’s killing makes his way to the village. Will he help Pemawathi deliver the baby and how would Dingi react when he identifies the doctor?
Produced by Githanjali Perera, edited by Aruna Abeysinghe, filmed by Sudeera Wijesinghe, stage sets and lighting by Cyril okugamage and art direction by A. M. Abeyrathne, the play is scripted and directed by GDL.
GDL has been a ‘guru’ for a large number of artistes to Sri Lankan theatre, television and cinema through his ‘Kalapela’, an academy in Kandy made several unforgettable films and stage productions to the Sri Lankan audience. Among those introduced to the world Sri Lankan art were late award winning actress Denawaka Hamine, Leoni Kothalawela, Shelton Silva, Sugathapala Senarath Yapa, Elson Divithurugama, Buddhi Wickrema and Amitha Mallawarachchi.
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