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18th January 1998

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East-Side story: a theatrical treat

By Kenneth M. de Lanerolle

East-Side Story at the Lionel Wendt by the pupils of St. Mary's Convent, Matara and produced by its talented creator, Haig Karunaratne, was an unforgettable experience.

Modestly called a dramatised ballad, it had all the features of a grand musical or super pantomime, set in a fantasy land of flying carpets, assassins, coup d'Etats and all the skulduggery of feudal and modern society.

The first time I saw East-Side Story on the boards was many years ago when Haig, then on my staff at Wesley, was experimenting as playwright and producer and conceived this marvellous idea of a musical satire with an Arabian flavour.

The show on the 7th of this month was, of course, a more elaborate production with 65 participants, a larger stage, good lighting, better choreography and no acoustic problems.

The way in which the girls threw themselves into the spirit of the play was a joy to watch. The dancing was excellent, the tunes lively and the decor effective. The singing, though good on the whole, showed signs of strain; I felt that more recitative would have relieved the unduly heavy load on the soloists.

Nephish Herat excelled as the crafty Chief Priest Ruleni while Domanie Bonifass played the role of the divorced wife with commendable poise.

I am strongly of the view that Colombo audiences should be given the chance of seeing a repeat performance of East-Side Story. trimmed down to two hours and perhaps without the Overture.


Anniversary celebrations of the Union of Myanmar

By Yvonne Gulamhusein
The 50th Anniversary of the Independence of the Union of Myanmar was celebrated with a reception hosted by the Ambassador of the Union of Myanmar and Mrs. U. Aung Gyi on Monday January 5 at the Golden Ballroom, Hotel Lanka Oberoi. The Navy Band was in attendance and a video on dance forms and culture of that country were screened to entertain the distinguished guests. Among those present were Ministers and wives and other VIPs.
From left: Ishu Sobhraj, Mrs. Naseema Chowdhry, wife of Bangladesh High Commissioner. Mrs. Nelly Junizar, wife of Indonesian Ambassador and Damayanthi de Alvis.
Ambassador of the Union of Myanmar and Mrs. U. Aung Gyi with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lakshman Kadirgamar
The Ambassador and Mrs. Aung Gyi with Deputy Minister Hema Ratnayake


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