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Story of two friends

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Play by Jack Heifner

by Dinali Fernando

‘Play by Jack Heifner (Performed by Clutch Plays Theatre) Jack Heifner’s Boys Play, a little known play by a little known American playwright (at least to many of us), came to life under pandemic conditions recently.

Set in an unnamed American town in the middle of the 20th century, it is the story of two friends, 16 year old Tom and Joe, who decide to camp in the clearing of a swampy jungle. Tom (Heshal Peiris) is the all-American football hero, butch, brazen but hurting inside, contrasting with the smaller, sensitive, and the really more gutsy and reflective Joe (Mohammed Nismeth). 

They talk through the night, grappling with complicated issues of growing up, with a mix of bravado, raw emotion, tenderness and sexual tension, each one facing, in his own way, the prospect of an unknown adulthood. The complications of Tom’s young life unfold in emotionally charged outbursts, Joe the perfect counterpoint and the dramatic foil. The possibility of physical violence, even sexual violence, is ever present. The conversation is poignant, and at times even predictable, until their yearnings merge with the surreal myths of the jungle swamp into the future of the surprise ending. 

All this takes place in the atmospheric setting of a modern meda midula of a suburban house,  with a tiny audience of 20 seated on three sides of this architectural clearing.  The carefully observed pandemic regulations lent to the atmosphere. We were masked voyeurs, silent and complicit in our indifference to the universal vulnerability of youth, but at only two rows deep, close enough to feel some of that raw emotion.

The dialogue was earthy, realistic, and the two young actors handled their roles with easy confidence, holding our attention for nearly an hour. Physical movements were deft, but silences and pauses could have been better exploited, especially in some of the tense moments of the play (one felt like shouting “slow down!” a couple of times, like a backseat driver). But all in all, this slick, minimalist production – no maudlin background music, thank goodness – that I saw almost by chance on the second day (often the best day) of a four-day run was an unexpectedly pleasant theatrical experience.  It is a promising start for a new theatre company in the middle of a pandemic, when the theatres remain closed, and theatre-goers have been rather starved of non-virtual entertainment.  I hope director Mayaan Haputantri and his group will visit a few more meda midulas with this play, and I am cautiously excited about what they will do next.

Boys Play by Jack Heifner was performed privately by Clutch Plays Theatre last month. Directed by Mayan Haputantri. 

Cast:

Tom – Heshal Peiris

Joe – Mohammed Nismath 

Director – Mayaan Haputantri 

Assistant Director – Rivi Wijesekera

Company: Clutch Plays Theatre 

\President – Mayaan Haputantri 

Secretary – Saranie Wijesinghe 

Treasurer – Ashiq Dole

Vice-President – Pravin Jayasundere

 

 

 



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Hilton Colombo presents A Middle Eastern Flair

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Hilton Colombo invited guests on a gastronomic journey through the heart of the Middle East with an exclusive culinary festival from March 1 to 31, 2025. Spearheaded by Executive Chef Chamlie Waidyaratne and his team, the festival showcased an array of authentic regional flavors, promising an unforgettable dining experience said a press release.

 The grand opening of the festival was held recently and the event commenced with a religious choral performance by the Muslim Choral Ensemble of Sri Lanka, setting the tone for the evening. The grand opening of the festival was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including . Andrés Marcelo González Garrido – Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Sri Lanka, . Badli Hisham Adam – High Commissioner of Malaysia to Sri Lanka, H.E. Levan S. Dzhagaryan – Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Sri Lanka, H.E  Semih Lütfü Turgut – Ambassador of Türkiye to Sri Lanka, diplomats of the High Commission of Canada, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the Embassy of Romania in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The distinguished guests were warmly welcomed by Manesh Fernando, Area General Manager for Hilton Sri Lanka and General Manager of Hilton Colombo.

During the event,  uests can indulge in this exceptional dining experience at Rs. 9,388 per person from Sunday to Thursday, while the weekend rate (Friday and Saturday) is Rs. 9,888 per person.

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Iftar at ITC Ratnadipa

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Iftar buffet at the Indian Ocean Pavilion

A memorable iftar enhanced by exceptional culinary offerings in Colombo says a press release.The release said as twilight descends, experience a traditional Ramadan at ITC Ratnadipa, featuring a selection of iftar offerings that harmonize tradition with sophistication.

Share a memorable iftar this Ramadan with family, friends or colleagues here in the jewel in Colombo’s skyline from the 1st March onwards.

The release said break your fast by tucking into mezze, mixed grills, authentic dishes and Middle Eastern cuisine complemented by traditional beverages at the Indian Ocean Pavilion. This dining experience elevates traditional recipes while preserving its authentic roots, executed by culinary wizards at the all-day-dining (buffet) restaurant located on Level 3. The iftar buffet is priced at Rs. 6,300 ++ per person and happens daily from 6.15 pm – 9.00 pm onwards.

Gather at the Peshawri for a flavour packed iftar, with dishes from the North-West frontier. Served in a warm, welcoming space that captures the spirit of togetherness, Peshawri features a combination of breads and meats together with vegetarian options for your whole family. The atmosphere is serene while you enjoy your meal priced at Rs. 7,000++ per person.

The hotel will also offer a take-away service of mouthwatering biriyanis during the month of Ramadan. Relish in authentic tastes from timeless recipes, all in the comfort of your home, with orders placed 04 hours in advance. The Biryani sawans serve 06 adults comfortably and is priced at Rs. 13,400++ (Chicken biryani) and Rs. 22,323++ (Mutton biriyani).

ITC Ratnadipa also invites you to host iftar gatherings at the beautiful Sangam Ballroom with a minimum guest count of up to 100 people. A beautiful occasion, one that everyone is welcome as you dig into feast of Arabic and international favourites. Celebrate the traditions of the holy month with a curated menu at Sangam priced at Rs. 8,186++ per person applicable for all Corporate iftars. Prayer facilities will be provided.

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Master English communication with sabrina

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Sabrina Zavahir, the Founder of Verbalize Speaker-Hub, is a trailblazer in enhancing communication skills, both for corporate employees and job seekers, through her innovative approach in setting up a communication hub

To empower young professionals and career seekers to enhance their soft skills to succeed in today’s competitive job market Verbalize speaker- Hub was launched to empower young professionals .

Considering this vacuum in the corporate sector Verbalize Speaker Hub, was founded in view of taking into account on how Communication in Effective English is one of the most important levers of management that an organization can implement for the formation of teams and achieving valuable performance.

Drawing from her extensive media exposure, lecturing experience, Journalism and corporate work background, she created a customised programme aimed at advancing both written and spoken communication. This initiative is designed to help individuals sharpen their language skills, enabling them to thrive in professional environments or secure job opportunities. By tailoring her programme to meet specific needs, Sabrina ensures that participants receive targeted guidance, enhancing their ability to express ideas transparently and effectively. Her unique combination of expertise in media, education, and business gives her an edge in delivering high-quality training that addresses real-world communication challenges. This programme continues to empower individuals, making Sabrina Zavahir a key figure in fostering better communication for career success.

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