Only The second Sri Lankan to graduate from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts and winner of the Best Performance award in a play at the UK theatre awards 2019, actor Hiran abeysekera is emerging as the golden boy in the British acting arena
Words: Tina Edward Gunawardhana
Photographs: Visual Studio Plus
A rising star in the landscape of British Theatre, Hiran Abeysekera finds himself under the microscope of often unforgiving British theatre critics. However, Hiran has always escaped unscathed thanks to the virtuoso performances he delivers with such finesse. With rave reviews in the New York Times for his performance as Mavuso in The Prisoner and The Guardian newspaper describing him as an actor who has the “charm, wit, and seriousness to make him a compelling narrator of his own magical-realist tale” it is safe to say Hiran has arrived…in British Theatre.
An eventful journey from Nalanda College in Colombo to one of the best drama schools in the world, Hiran’s seismic talents earned him places at Bristol Old Vic, Guildhall and LAMDA (where the crème de la crème of British actors learnt their craft) before he finally accepted the offer from RADA. A brilliant student, Hiran gave it his all, balancing his new life experiences in London with his drama school responsibilities while often showcasing his musical talents by strumming Sinhala songs late into the night to help fellow Sri Lankans drift back into the comfort of memories of home.
Since graduating, Hiran has played the lead role in Peter Pan at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre to portraying Pi Patel in the Life of Pi for which he won the Best Performance Award in a Play at the UK Theatre Awards 2019. He also appeared as Dash Khan in the Hulu series Find Me in Paris and played Puck in the BBC adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. His repertoire of roles in Shakespearean plays by the Royal Shakespeare Company only serves to highlight his versatility as an actor. If the threat of Covid-19 remains under control in the UK, then in a matter of months Hiran will be making his West End debut when the Life of Pi moves to the Wyndham’s Theatre in London.
Unassuming and simple, Hiran is often shy to speak of his achievements. From treading the boards in Colombo to making his debut in London’s theatrical Mecca, the boy has done good. His star is very much on the ascend.
Your performance in Equus staged in Colombo caught the attention of a visiting theatre luminary. This led to you auditioning and receiving a place at the prestigious RADA. How did you feel when you accepted it?
My performance in Equus was a wonderful experience. I learnt a lot from Steve de la Zilwa and co. I’m sure that the experience contributed to my performances during the audition process at RADA. After all, it was Steve who helped me craft my audition pieces, Steve and Shannon. However, my performance in Equus did not earn me a place at RADA. The only way to get into RADA for the 3 year BA Acting course is to go through a very tough audition process in which close to 4000 people apply and a number between 28- 34 are chosen.
Getting into RADA was a joy. Being able to study there was incredible. It was the last drama school I heard back from. By this time I had already been accepted at Bristol Old Vic, Guildhall and LAMDA. I didn’t fully understand what was going on nor did I realise that getting into these schools was a big deal.
I was given the opportunity to get on a plane for the first time in my life and visit England! I was just having the time of my life.
How do you feel when you are told that you are only the second Sri Lankan to attend RADA?
I am curious as to why? Thusitha graduated in ‘93, and I in 2011. Why is there such a big gap? When can we expect to see the next Sri Lankan RADA graduate? I feel that as a country, Sri Lanka should be doing more to encourage and support our youth to reach places like RADA. There is no shortage of talent, just a shortage of opportunity.
