Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

More than a contest
They fell in love, seduced the innocents, fought to death and clowned around. It was time to rekindle the Bard’s work on stage. Ayesha Inoon was there to witness the Interschool Shakespeare Drama Competition

Exotic perfumes mingled in the air with the animated buzz of expectant voices. Mod-ish clothes and chic jewellery were everywhere. The more sedate adults watched the excitement of the young people in tolerant amusement, as they waited for the show to begin. The venue was Bishop’s College Auditorium; the event, The Interschool Shakespeare Drama Competition, which has obviously gone beyond the boundaries of a mere contest to become one of the most socialite events for young people in the city.

Still, the true competitive spirit of the occasion is what shines out, with the talented actors and actresses playing their parts with true fervor, the hard work and dedication of months coming to fulfillment, as they bring Shakespeare once more to life on the stage, in wonderful and innovative ways.

The girls’ event began with a colourful rendering of scenes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Bishop’s College. With the soft shimmer of the fairies’ gossamer gowns, the melodious voice of the girl who sings Titania to sleep, the energetic cartwheels and antics of the elusive Puck, and the comic fray of the four lovers, it might well have been a performance from Shakespeare’s own time.

What followed was a rather sober depiction of Isabella’s plea on her brother’s behalf from Measure For Measure by Holy Family Convent. The simplicity of the costumes and the stage setting was overridden by the clear and ringing tones of Isabella, as she spoke her lines with deep conviction. The heartless attempt to seduce the virgin by Angelo was portrayed with no less passion, and it came as no surprise that Shannon Misso was awarded Best Actress, for her portrayal of Isabella, and Rashmi Fernando, Best Supporting Actress, for hers of Angelo.

What comes next made one blink and remind oneself that this was a ‘Shakespeare’ drama competition, as girls in short dresses and sunglasses waltzed onto stage to an upbeat tune. An ice cream vendor was selling cones of ice cream and some of the cast carried heart shaped balloons. It was Ladies’ College, performing scenes from Much Ado About Nothing. The convincing portrayal of Benedick and Beatrice that each was in love with the other was skillfully played out, with songs and dances accompanying the final achievement.

The audience was then treated to a livelier version of Measure For Measure by Methodist College, where the novel stage setting, featuring a pack of cards, made it a refreshing performance, along with an effective use of the character of the mob, accompanying each of Isabella’s and Angelo’s speeches with cheers or jeers, enlivening the entire piece.

The colourful evening ended with Ladies’ College carrying away the cup for their vivid performance, the second runners up being Holy Family Convent, and the third, Methodist College.

In sharp contrast to the lighthearted beginning of the girls’ contest, the boys’ competition on Sunday opened by plunging the audience into the darkest moments of the murder of Julius Caesar by D.S. Senanayake College. Portraying the betrayal of Brutus in their own way, the play gave way to Anthony’s passionate lament over Caesar’s body, and the two funeral speeches of Anthony and Brutus. The scenes were played out with maximum use of special effects, lighting and music, and Sashane Perera walked away with the Best Actor’s Award for his convincing depiction of Anthony.

A Midsummer Night’s dream has often been described as a dance, and Royal College optimised the dance-like structure of the play to combine a few scenes in such a way that the entire story was told. A stunning blend of visual effects, graceful dances, and spectacular costumes, combined with an entertaining performance of Peter Quince and Bully Bottom, as well as the antics of Puck misleading the lovers completed the feat of the Royalists.
What followed was perhaps a portrayal of the script that had been least adapted – St. Joseph’s College’s Julius Caesar.

In true Shakespearean fashion, the parallel scenes of Brutus and Caesar in their homes were played out, leading up to the murder of Caesar with a brief, but splendid representation of the dire, but unsuccessful warning of Artemidorus, the soothsayer.

Trinity College, in a bold move, brought Julius Caesar to the immediate Sri Lankan present, with the cast outfitted in local costumes. Caesar himself was a high ranking official, Brutus and the other conspirators were dressed in suits, and the assassination, in true modern style, was carried out with guns instead of knives. Flashing cameras, mobile phones and laptops made up the unusual depiction of the play.

St. Joseph’s College was awarded the trophy for their splendid performance, with the second runners up being D.S. Senanayake College, and the third, Trinity College. The Best Supporting Actor Award was shared between Geethika De Silva of D.S Senanayake College for his role of Brutus, and Randika Perera of St. Peter’s College for the role of Puck.

While both shows were a medley of excellent performances by the schools, bearing witness to much commitment and hard work, the words of the judges, that the plays are judged mainly for the quality of the acting, with only a small percentage going for special effects and stage settings was a noteworthy sentiment for future competitors.

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