For one last time: Rajitha’s play ‘A Day in July 2019’ returns to the Wendt

Rajitha Dissanayake’s critically acclaimed play, 2019 Jooli Mase Dawasak (A Day in July 2019), will conclude its three-year run with a final performance at the Lionel Wendt Theatre in Colombo on February 2 at 7.00 pm.

Featuring a talented and experienced cast that comprises Jayani Senanayake, Anuradha Mallawarachchi, Sampath Jayaweera, Umali Thilakaratne, Prasadini Athapatthu, Gihan de Chickera, Lihan Mendis, and Anuk Fernando, the play has completed nearly fifty performances throughout the country.

Dissanayake’s play – which premiered to full houses at the Wendt in January 2022 – revolves around certain events that could have taken place on an ordinary day, in 2019. The play has been acclaimed by audiences and critics for its clever writing and subtle acting. Likewise, it has drawn praise for highlighting pressing socio-political issues as it examines the myriad of crises and dilemmas we have faced as a country of late.

Dissanayake ranks among the top original playwrights to emerge in Sri Lanka in the last 30 years. He has produced popular and award-winning plays like ‘Weeraya Merila’, ‘Sihina Horu Aran’, ‘Apahu Herenna Be’, ‘Bakamoona Veedi Basi’ and ‘Nethuwa Beri Minihek’. His scripts focus on burning socio-political issues and have sparked debate, won awards, drawn crowds nationally and toured internationally.

The production team comprises Mahira Dissanayake (Music Composition), Priyantha Dissanayake (Make-up), Dharmapriya Dias and Anuradha Mallawarachchi (Set Design), Ranga Samarakoon and Anuradha Mallawarachchi (Lighting), Samadara Mabuluge and Nalin Lusena (Costume Design), Lenin Liyanage and Ashan Perera (Stage Management), and Rasudula Dissanayake (Production Coordination).