Hunuwataye Kathawa Archives

Santin Gunawardena – Small-made giant on the stage-Jack of Many Trades – by Sunil Thenabadu One of the utmost universal qualities of successful professional working actors is that they play well with others and they’re able to make genuine acquaintances with everyone on set. They’re truly good people, passionate, purpose-driven and dedicated sans ego. They always handle themselves with grace and dignity and they dare to bring their personalities to every role entrusted. One such inimitable actor who had conquered the stage, mini and silver screen with consummate luxury for over a half a century is celebrated actor Santin Gunawardena. Santin possessed an authoritative vision for his future in store after he was selected for the first stage play Janelaya in 1962. His commitment to work towards that vision every day, the belief that it’s possible, putting service above self with creativity. Hunuwataye Kathawa (Caucasian Circle) was staged initially in 1967; the ...

Henry Jayasena reminisced after his demise over a decade ago – by Sunil Thenabadu The final curtain call for legendary dramatist, lyricist ,translator and author Henry Jayasena fell on the 11th November 2010 after a medical misadventure when he was hail and hearty. Late Henry Jayasena was a firm believer of Shakespear’s memorable phrase” All that live must die/passing through nature to eternity”. Decease had already taken its toll on him. He was aware that as we learn in school, “to every man upon the earth/death cometh soon or late”. He, who possessed an effervescent personality, initially stood tall on the modest unsophisticated Lumbini Theatre in the early 1960’s. He had confessed many times as a much-adored artiste that his heart lies in theatre. Henry Jayasena could be easily and definitely classified as one, alongside among-st the elite of eminent literary figures in the annals of theatre in Sri Lanka, ...