ArisaYasaratne

Biography

Arisa is an aspiring actress who is especially passionate about the spread of diversity through all mediums of entertainment. She has worked in a variety of theatre performances with titles such as Twelfth Night, Jason and the Argonauts and Harlequinade. Through a youth acting program she was part of back in 2013, she received training both in Hong Kong, as well as in London at the London Academy of Dramatic Arts (LAMDA). Her most recent work includes: Rooftop Productions’ Presence, to.gather and Testimony.

Arisa has worked in a variet of theatre performances including Twelfth Night, Jason and the Argonauts and Harlequinade. Through a youth acting program she was part of back in 2013, she received training both in Hong Kong from trained tutors as well as in London at the London Academy of Dramatic Arts (LAMDA). She is a versatile actress who has had experience in both theatre and film and is especially passionate about the spread of diversity through all mediums of entertainment.

Previous Shows

Explore past productions and events

A minimalist, blueprint-style line drawing of a lunar-rover-style vehicle set against a dark grid background, created as the key visual for the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production 'Presence'. The design evokes themes of technology and futurism, reflecting the aesthetic exploration of the future of performance. Key visual for the future of performance, Presence

Presence

17/3/2023 至 26/3/2023

Presence Phase 2 is an immersive telepresence performance. Control robotic vehicles to explore real-world sites and unlock stories in this hybrid work.

Host for Observers

A long-exposure, moody performance shot for the key visual of the Rooftop Productions (天台製作) show 'Presence'. The image captures a kinetic, low-angle view of a performer wrapped in translucent bubble wrap, illuminated by stark, cool blue LED light trails that slice through the dark, experimental stage setting. This evocative image captures the essence of contemporary Hong Kong physical theatre and avant-garde staging.

Presence

22/3/2022 至 28/3/2022

Presence Phase 1: An immersive remote theatre experience by Rooftop Productions. Navigate physical spaces via ROV to explore agency, space, and exile.

Best Scenography

Performance of the Year

Testimony

15/8/2019 至 18/8/2019

Testimony is a powerful devised work exploring the invisible history of Hong Kong's South Asian community, challenging systemic exclusion through art.

Collaborating Actor

Awards & Recognition

Awards and recognition for shows or achievemenets

Nominated for

Best Script

12th Hong Kong Theatre Libre (2019-2020)

Gallery

Images featuring Arisa Yasaratne

Arisa Yasaratne stands on stage during a performance of the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production Testimony, holding a small document. She is illuminated by a sharp spotlight against a dark background, with a large, glowing green circular projection behind her and a single teacup resting on the table in the foreground, creating a contemplative atmosphere typical of Rooftop Productions' experimental stage work. Testimony.

Arisa Yasaratne captures the contemplative weight of Testimony as she confronts a lingering past.

On a dark stage lit by two overhead spotlights, actors Ng King Lung and Arisa Yasaratne stand on opposite sides of a large, glowing projection of an exam paper. Ng King Lung appears on the left, while Arisa Yasaratne stands on the right, both framed by the blue-tinted, semi-transparent image of a hand marking a test as 'Correct.' This scene from the Rooftop Productions contemporary theatre performance 'Testimony' highlights themes of memory and scrutiny. 'Testimony'

Ng King Lung and Arisa Yasaratne confront the weight of historical judgment in this striking scene from Testimony.

Arisa Yasaratne contemplates the intersection of identity and place in this evocative portrait for the documentary theatre piece, Testimony.

In a dramatic scene from Rooftop Productions' contemporary Hong Kong play 'Testimony' ('山下的證詞'), actor Arisa Yasaratne stands center stage under a sharp spotlight against a dark background. She wears a grey textured sweater and tan trousers, her hands clasped thoughtfully as she addresses the audience with a poignant expression. Above her, a projection displays the questioning text: 'Parents? Culture? Language? Domestic helper?'. "Testimony"

Arisa Yasaratne reflects on identity, culture, and belonging in this poignant moment from Testimony.

In a poignant scene from the Rooftop Productions (天台製作) contemporary theatre piece 'Testimony', actor Arisa Yasaratne sits on stage, wearing a light blue headscarf and looking upward with an expression of deep contemplation. Behind her, a massive, vibrant green-tinted projection of her face fills the background, creating a powerful duality between the live performance and the visual installation. The scene captures the raw emotion of this Hong Kong stage production. Arisa Yasaratne speaks: 'Testimony'

Arisa Yasaratne embodies raw vulnerability in this haunting scene from Testimony. As she reflects, her live presence dialogues with the projected past.

Portrait of performer Arisa Yasaratne for the Rooftop Productions contemporary theatre piece 'Testimony'. Her face is partially lit by a projection showing the rocky, rugged surface of a mountain, contrasting with the blurred Hong Kong cityscape in the background. Her expression is solemn and contemplative, highlighting themes of urban identity and memory in Hong Kong stage performance. "Testimony"

Arisa Yasaratne embodies the intersection of urban memory and landscape in Rooftop Productions' 'Testimony'.

Performer Arisa Yasaratne stands on stage during a contemporary theatre performance of 'Testimony' (《山下的證詞》) by Rooftop Productions (天台製作), dressed in a light-colored headscarf and gesturing with an expressive hand. Behind her, a massive, out-of-focus projection of a human face dominates the stage backdrop, creating a powerful visual juxtaposition. As she engages with the multimedia stage design, she delivers a lines from the play, 'You, can you speak with an Indian accent?'

Arisa Yasaratne confronts the complexities of identity in 'Testimony,' questioning, 'You, can you speak with an Indian accent?'

A dramatic silhouette of actor Arisa Yasaratne stands before a large, luminous projection of a glass containing a dark liquid, a striking scene from the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production 'Testimony' (《山下的證詞》). The lighting emphasizes the stage design and the performer's contemplative posture. Arisa Yasaratne delivers the line, 'I was in Lan Kwai Fong with some friends.'

Arisa Yasaratne reflects on a haunting memory, delivering the line, 'I was in Lan Kwai Fong with some friends.'

Arisa Yasaratne performs in Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'Testimony' (《山下的證詞》). Bathed in intense blue and warm stage lighting, she wears a light-coloured headscarf and sits before a large, dramatic projection of a face, delivering an emotive monologue. As she speaks, she says, "You know, we need to do a little bit of acting."

Arisa Yasaratne reflects on the nature of performance in this poignant scene from 'Testimony', reminding us that "you know, we need to do a little bit of acting."

In this scene from Rooftop Productions’ contemporary theatre piece 'Testimony' (《山下的證詞》), actor Arisa Yasaratne sits in the foreground, illuminated by cool, focused stage lighting as she delivers a monologue. Behind her, another performer sits at a table in semi-silence, while a large, green-tinted projection of a woman’s portrait and archival text serves as the backdrop, highlighting the play's investigative and documentary-style staging. Arisa Yasaratne reflects on her professional past, stating, 'In 1993 I started work with Pricewaterhouse.'

Arisa Yasaratne reflects on her corporate past in this pivotal scene from Testimony, noting, 'In 1993 I started work with Pricewaterhouse.'

Arisa Yasaratne performs in a rehearsal for the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production 'Testimony' (《山下的證詞》), illuminated by dramatic stage lighting against a dark background. She gestures with her index finger raised, capturing an intense, thoughtful moment. As she delivers her lines during this scene, she remarks, 'There as a movie recently about the world’s most famous Parsee.'

Arisa Yasaratne reflects on identity during a rehearsal for 'Testimony', noting: 'There was a movie recently about the world’s most famous Parsee.'

On a dimly lit stage, Arisa Yasaratne interacts with a wooden, robot-like puppet sculpture. Behind her, a large digital projection displays a vintage photograph of two men standing outdoors, providing a historical backdrop for this scene from Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece, 'Testimony'. As she handles the puppet, she reflects on the past: 'My grandpa was stationed on the Hong Kong border from 1970 to 1976.'

Arisa Yasaratne invokes family history through puppetry in a scene from 'Testimony': 'My grandpa was stationed on the Hong Kong border from 1970 to 1976.'

Arisa Yasaratne performs in the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production 'Testimony' (《山下的證詞》) by Rooftop Productions (天台製作). She sits barefoot on a simple chair center stage, bathed in a dramatic, singular spotlight that casts a sharp shadow behind her. Behind her, a large projection screen displays a document titled 'What the HELL are your options?', featuring a photograph of an ethnic minority individual. Her hands are outstretched in an evocative gesture, embodying the play's themes of identity and linguistic struggle. The performer poignantly reflects: 'And sometimes Cantonese is the fourth or fifth language for this child.'

Arisa Yasaratne embodies the challenges of identity in 'Testimony,' poignantly noting, 'And sometimes Cantonese is the fourth or fifth language for this child.'

Arisa Yasaratne performs in a dim, atmospheric scene from the Rooftop Productions (天台製作) show 'Testimony' (《山下的證詞》). Bathed in soft stage lighting, she gestures expressively towards a large, blurred projection of a family photograph showing a man and a young girl. The contemporary Hong Kong theatre staging emphasizes personal narrative and identity, capturing a poignant moment of storytelling. Yasaratne speaks, 'My mom is full Chinese and my dad is ½ Sri Lankan.'

Arisa Yasaratne reflects on her heritage in a poignant scene from 'Testimony': 'My mom is full Chinese and my dad is ½ Sri Lankan.'

In a dimly lit, atmospheric stage setting for Rooftop Productions' contemporary theatre piece 'Testimony' (《山下的證詞》), actor Arisa Yasaratne stands at a lit lectern, narrating a story as historical documents are projected onto the screen behind her. The lighting highlights the intimacy of the performance, emphasizing the documentary theatre style. As she delivers a line from the show, she recounts: 'Nazir Ahmed was in the last group of Pakistanis recruited in 1961.'

Arisa Yasaratne portrays historical testimonies in 'Testimony,' recounting: 'Nazir Ahmed was in the last group of Pakistanis recruited in 1961.'

Arisa Yasaratne performs in Rooftop Productions' contemporary Hong Kong stage production 'Testimony' (《山下的證詞》), illuminated by dramatic spotlighting against a pitch-black background as she speaks while holding a reusable water bottle. 'But most of my classmates around me were learning P1 level Chinese.'

Arisa Yasaratne recounts childhood experiences in Hong Kong: 'But most of my classmates around me were learning P1 level Chinese.'

Promotional video thumbnail for the contemporary Hong Kong theatre production Testimony (山下的證詞), featuring a widescreen cinematic shot of cast member Arisa. She is shown in a brightly lit, warm-toned indoor setting, looking towards the camera with a joyful, candid smile. Behind her, a wall displays her name 'ARISA YASARATNE' and her Chinese name '李里莎' written in bold, handwritten-style lettering, capturing an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the performers behind Rooftop Productions' latest stage work.

A widescreen video thumbnail for the full stage performance of Not The Maids (不是女僕) by Rooftop Productions. The image features four female performers on a bare theatre stage, sitting on wooden chairs in a semi-circle. They are dressed in matching white, minimalist contemporary costumes, each holding a vibrant red cup. A grand piano sits in the background, dimly lit. The performers exhibit engaged, conversational expressions, evoking the tense, experimental atmosphere of this contemporary Hong Kong stage play.

artmate