By Rihaab Mowlana

After more than three decades on stage, Tommiya is taking his final bow. Indu Dharmasena, who both directs and stars in the production, returns as the wide-eyed village boy navigating Colombo’s chaos in what will be the last play in the much-loved series. “Tommiya feels like my alter ego, so slipping back into the character comes naturally,” says Indu. “It’s like coming home.” First conceived to entertain his cousins, Tommiya has since become a Sri Lankan theatre icon, resulting in 13 plays over the years. Ahead of the show, we caught up with Indu and the cast to talk legacy, laughter, and letting go.

Pictured: The cast of the 1991 Tommiya production

Indu Dharmasena - Tommiya

You’ve said in an interview Tommiya started as a skit in 1989. What made you realize he deserved a full-length play - and later, a whole series?
It began with a skit I performed called "Madai ithin Dubai giya" at a Muslim Ladies Association coffee morning. They later asked me to turn it into a longer play for a fundraiser. I did, and the response was overwhelming. Audiences loved Tommiya, Lucy, and the other characters, and soon after, I was encouraged to write more. That’s how "Madai Tommiya Colomba giya" and then "Madai Tommiya Pol Kaduwa" came to be, and the series just kept growing from there.

Over the years, how has the Tommiya character evolved? Have you updated the themes or style based on what’s happening in society?
Yes, absolutely. Over the course of 13 plays since 1991, I’ve always kept the themes timely. At its heart, it’s about a village simpleton who goes to the city, transforms, and returns home with a new perspective. Each play reflects the social and cultural shifts of the time - so yes, Tommiya has grown with the country.

What can audiences expect from this final installment – will it be nostalgic, completely new, or a bit of both?
It’s actually the second Tommiya play I wrote and performed back in 1991 - the most popular of them all - but I’ve updated it for today’s audience. For example, references to fax machines and trunk calls have been replaced with more relatable, modern terms. So audiences can expect a blend of nostalgia and freshness - and, of course, a good laugh.

Why did you feel now was the right time to end the series?
From 1991 to now, I’ve played Tommiya for over three decades. I feel I’m getting a bit too old for the role. Since people still keep asking for it, I thought - why not do it one last time? After that, I’ll see if I can find someone else to carry the torch.

As both director and star, how has it felt to step back into Tommiya’s shoes one last time?
Tommiya feels like my alter ego, so slipping back into the character comes naturally. It’s like coming home.

⁠Any plans to preserve the legacy?
I’m on the lookout for someone who can take over the role. Many have suggested turning the series into a film - that’s something I’m open to exploring. Time will tell.

Sanwada Dharmasena - Geethanjali and Pamala

1.⁠ It’s bittersweet. Indu will no longer be playing Tommiya- that’s the sad part. But he’s still going to be doing plays and acting in them - happy part. 
2. As always, it’s never a dull moment. This particular lot is driven by food…. Between rehearsals there is A LOT of conversations about food. 
3.⁠ ⁠The cast is absolutely amazing! It’s a joy to be working with them. 
4.⁠ ⁠Having a blast! 
5.⁠ ⁠Speak Sinhala properly. 
6.⁠ Challenging. I speak Sinhala but not proper Sinhala. I’m more Singlish so I have to work a lot. Having said that, I really want to do justice to the role I’m playing.

Asanka Aryachandra - Piyal

1.Tommiya has been such a classic comedy in English theater, I think I'm really honoured to be a part of this.
2. Well, all the things mentioned and much much more!!! 
3. I think Indu is getting funnier on each version he comes out with, and the rest of the cast as well.
4.OMG
5. What I found out is one thing ..!!!  There’s posh 'BIBIKKAN' that tastes better than love cake or Christmas cake at Indu's house.heads up!!!
6. 'ezy like Sunday morning'

Mrinali Thalgodapitiya - Kusum

1.⁠ ⁠Being part of Indu's theatre career has been a great privilege of my life and I am so happy to be included in this appearance which I hope will not be the last. 
2.⁠ ⁠My goodness, much less zany than it has been in the past! 
3.⁠ ⁠Indu's interpretation of Tommy and his ability to keep it fresh. 
4.⁠ ⁠Aiyooo. Aiyooo. Aiyooo. 
5.⁠ ⁠Never ever to get laryngitis. 
6.⁠ ⁠Like finding an old skin.

Anurudha Fernando - Ralahamy 

1.⁠ Honestly, I have wanted to be in one of Indu's plays for so long. I'm glad that it has happened, and even gladder that it is 'Tommiya'.
2.⁠ ⁠It has been a barrel of laughs, with a bunch of people that I've known for decades.
3.⁠ This feels elevated somehow; perhaps more refined.
4.⁠ Riotous, nostalgic, and fun.
5.⁠ ⁠I have to do more plays.
6.⁠ ⁠This is my first dab at this play, but I'm having the time of my life.

Kamanthi Wickramasinghe - Caroline 

1.⁠ ⁠It had been a pleasure to act alongside Indu. What began as a side hustle in fact is something I look forward to every now and then. I feel privileged to give life to a character in his final Tommiya play.
2.⁠ ⁠We gather at Indu's place for rehearsal. The vibe behind the scenes includes lots of laughter, and more laughter, good food and lighter moments. It's a usual thing for the cast to keep looking forward to the next play because there's never a dull moment at Indu's place during and post-rehearsals.  
3.⁠ ⁠I play a different character to previous roles in Indu's plays. On the other hand some of the original cast members will be giving life to certain characters. But as always I'm enjoying it.
4.⁠ ⁠Laughing Out Loud ! 
5.⁠ ⁠Learning to play the role of a mother figure! 
6.⁠ ⁠Challenging and fun at the same time

Michael Holsinger  - Andana

1.⁠ ⁠I have been there from the early days and there is a lot of nostalgia reading this once familiar script after so long. We remember fondly the old jokes and the jokers that have done so many funny things over the years.
2.⁠ ⁠⁠the chaos is still there but a be quieter and more controlled. Largely revolving around rolling eyeballs 
3.⁠ ⁠⁠I think we have performed this play almost 50 times and in many towns across the country. So, familiar and close to our hearts. 
4.⁠ ⁠⁠funny familiar forgotten feeling 
5.⁠ ⁠⁠trying to relive the magic of a super time in our life. 
6.⁠ ⁠⁠just fabulous

Chitranga Kariyawasan - Lucy

1.⁠ I have been a part of the first Tomiya, "Madai ithin Dubai Giya" where I was the Dubai returnee with the broken english and today to be a part of the final curtain call is greatly satisfying as the character of "Lucy" which I loved playing in the many Tomiyas will be put to rest as well.
2.⁠ It is great fun as usual..looking forward to the fun and excitement been taken on stage. 
3.I love them all having being a part of most of them. However, this Tomiya has very many interesting characters which relate closely to persons of real life in society.
4.⁠ ⁠I LOVE IT.
5.⁠ Always have a ball!
6.⁠ ⁠Fabulous!

Priyanka Holsinger - Ducky

1.⁠ ⁠Having been a part of the different Tomiya plays over the years, it feels good to be a part of this production
2.⁠ ⁠⁠It’s great to be on stage with some old friends and some new
3.⁠ ⁠⁠It’s edited to be current and modern
4.⁠ ⁠⁠Nostalgic, fun, happy
5.⁠ ⁠⁠It’s fun to be on stage with friends
6.⁠ ⁠⁠Happy memories