• A ground-breaking play on digital dependence and teenage turmoil in Sri Lanka

In today’s world, the growing prevalence of digital dependence among young people has become an increasingly pressing concern. In Sri Lanka, a nation where the digital landscape is rapidly expanding, this issue has reached a critical point, with many teenagers struggling to navigate the challenges of a highly digitalised world. To address this problem, a group of talented young artists from the Youth Ensemble of Stages Theatre Group has come together to create a ground-breaking play, PING! Virtually everything is fine, as part of their wider campaign to challenge and change the culture of digital dependence in Sri Lanka’s youth.

Set in a middle-income apartment complex in contemporary Colombo, PING! explores the lives of four families, centring on the experiences of their teenage children. The play’s central character, Dirk Anthonisz, is a mysterious, broody 17-year-old with a devastating secret. When his secret is leaked, chaos ensues both in the physical and the virtual worlds. Through its powerful storytelling and poignant insights, PING! sheds light on the complex emotional and social challenges faced by young Sri Lankans caught in the crossfire of their country’s ongoing crisis.

However, PING! is much more than just a play. It is part of a larger campaign, called #WATSS, which stands for “Why Are Teenagers So Sad?” This campaign was started by the cast of PING! themselves, who wanted to draw attention to the struggles young people in Sri Lanka are facing today. Through the #WATSS campaign, the Youth Ensemble of Stages Theatre Group is using social media platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube to encourage dialogue and engagement around the issue of digital dependence and the impact it is having on young people’s mental health and wellbeing.

As an original production created out of the observations, experiences, and concerns of the largely teenage cast, PING! promises to be a hard-hitting, funny, and emotionally impactful production that is both relevant and thought-provoking.

The Daily Morning Brunch sat down with the directors of the play, Ruwanthie de Chickera and Lihan Mendis, to take a closer look at the play, its creators, and the wider context in which it was developed. We will explore the creative process behind PING! and the #WATSS campaign, and the impact they are having on the lives of young people in Sri Lanka. Let’s delve into the world of PING! Virtually everything is fine, and discover why this play is a must-see for teenagers and parents alike.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the play PING! Virtually everything is fine and the #WATSS campaign?

PING! Virtually everything is fine and the #WATSS campaign were inspired by the increasing trend of digital dependency among young people in Sri Lanka. The play was developed in response to a need to address this issue and to encourage young people to be more mindful of their digital usage. The #WATSS campaign was launched in conjunction with the play to raise awareness about the impact of excessive screen time and to promote healthy digital habits.

What are some of the key themes explored in PING! Virtually everything is fine, and how do they relate to the experiences of young people in Sri Lanka?

Some of the key themes explored in PING! Virtually everything is fine include the impact of social media on mental health, the need for human connection in a digital age, and the dangers of cyberbullying. These themes relate to the experiences of young people in Sri Lanka, who are increasingly turning to social media and other digital platforms as a means of connecting with others and expressing themselves.

The ‘PING! Virtually everything is fine’ cast, directors, and production team

How does the play PING! Virtually everything is fine address the issue of digital dependence among Sri Lankan teenagers, and what message do you hope to convey to your audience through the play?

PING! Virtually everything is fine addresses the issue of digital dependence among Sri Lankan teenagers by highlighting the negative effects of excessive screen time on mental health and relationships. The play encourages young people to be more mindful of their digital usage and to seek out face-to-face interactions and meaningful connections. The message of the play is that while technology can be a valuable tool, it should not be a substitute for real human connection.

How has the cast been engaging with the #WATSS campaign, and what impact do you hope the campaign will have on young people in Sri Lanka?

The cast of PING! Virtually everything is fine has been actively engaging with the #WATSS campaign by promoting healthy digital habits and encouraging young people to be more mindful of their screen time. The campaign has been well received by audiences and has sparked important conversations about the impact of technology on mental health and relationships. The hope is that the campaign will continue to raise awareness about these issues and encourage young people to take action to improve their digital habits.

Can you tell us about the creative process behind the development of PING! Virtually everything is fine, and how the Youth Ensemble of Stages Theatre Group are working together to bring the play to life?

The creative process behind the development of PING! Virtually everything is fine involved a collaborative effort by the Youth Ensemble of Stages Theatre Group. The group worked together to explore the themes of the play and develop the characters and storylines. The play was developed through a series of workshops and rehearsals, with input from the cast and director. The result is a powerful and engaging production that encourages audiences to reflect on their own digital habits and the impact they have on their mental health and relationships.

About the play

The ground-breaking play Ping! Virtually everything is fine will be performed at the Lionel Wendt Theatre on 27, 28, and 29 April with show times at 3.30 p.m. (28 and 29 April) for the Special Student Shows at discounted rates and 7.30 p.m. (27, 28 and 29 April) for the general audience.

Themes: Digital dependence, deteriorating teenage mental health, gender and sexuality issues, social media addiction, breakdown of the education system, and fragmentation of family life

Genre: Dark comedy/romance/drama

Directed by Ruwanthie de Chickera and Lihan Mendis

Designed by Hidaayath Hazeer

Written by the writers group of the Stages Theatre Group Youth Ensemble

Cast: Vishwa Wijesooriya, Nikki Abeywickrama, Sasindu Randeepa, Theruni Indrapala, Nethra Peiris, Shenaya Fernando, Samuel Sundaralingam, Akmal Hamid, Visura Padeniya, Ganan Kugan, Kithmi Ranatunga, Akhil Skanthakumar, Banuja Nethusara, and Hajarah Faleel