Gamini Weerakkody - BMR 2007

Hi Everyone,
In my view, if we can focus on few things (below) then still we can reduce the major problems in producing & delivering a successful BMR show. Reviews and guide-lines are important but they are useless if the new group don't use them as the foundation stone hence repeat the same mistakes.
1. Duration of the show: start 6:30PM --> end 10:00PM. We may need to change the format. If NO intermission then the show can be finished at 9:300PM. Let's think !
2. We need to decide on the number and the type of items that are SUITABLE for the show and then request then from the producers and NOT that we should accept what they deliver us. In my view, drama items are not suitable because they are time consuming, difficult to understand by the majority in the audience. Have no songs or limit to 2 or 3 songs( max), if required . BMR has now become a popular show and we need to think about the audience which is different to sinhala schools' concert scenario.
3. The standard of each item MUST be checked and approved in advance by the appointed members of production team. Some may raise the question of "What qualifications do we have to check & approve artists's items?". In that case, we are not qualified to say anything about them after the show. We all have common sense and understanding of art & cultural values/ appropriateness which are more than enough as viewers. It may be a difficult task (for the next team) to cut down the number of items because almost everyone had been given an opportunity to perform this year.
4. As Sam suggested, it is good if our artists or item producers can take all the responsibilities associated with BMR from planning to delivery. SCF would be very very lucky if that happens (?).
4. Of course, popular and professional artists from Sri Lanka enhance and add value to the show and good for marketing as well. However, we need to think about all the risks, costs & benefits when inviting them to BMR. If we really need them, it would be better to limit only to ONE person.

5. Venue: Can we afford to have BMR at Hill centre?. If not, we should consider Riverside theatre in Parramatta (of course there are some limitations such as parking) because of affordable hall charges and we don't have to struggle in selling nearly 1400 tickets. At Reverside, we only need to sell 700 tickets (approx) which we can do easily. We may need to scale down and cut corners for the survival of BMR, if the load is very heavy.
6. We need to upgrade the quality of the evening session (cultural part) of Sinhala Avurudu festival at Roselea Community hall in Carlingford. During the past two years it was down graded and SCF committee loaded everything onto BMR and now struggle to hold it up. In my view, this evening session should be upgraded and conducted by the SCF (by default) and we can give opportunities for dramas, songs and more items for children etc at Carlingford community hall. This would release some pressure on BMR. It would be better to have few weeks (one month ?) gap between BMR and Avurudu festival.
Regards
Gamini