The thing about performance, even if it is only an illusion, is that it is a celebration of the fact that we do contain within ourselves infinite possibilities.
The students of Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT) displayed much potential for greatness at the institute's annual celebration of talent 'Stage Craft 2010' which was held under the theme "lights...camera...action..."
 The event was indeed an eye opener to many as it showcased a variety of talent ranging from song and dance to theatre. Pushing the envelope further in terms of improving the standards set by the organizing committee last year; this year's committee worked tirelessly to ensure the entire project was managed and conducted in a near professional manner.
The biggest commendation though is due to the participants who practised their items over a two-month period in the run up to the event. Be it full-time or part-time, students of all levels at the institute truly worked tirelessly to ensure Stage Craft 2010 was indeed nothing short of a spectacle.
Gracing the occasion as the chief guest was reputed choral director Marianne David and the guests of honour were Dr. Gamini Wickramasinghe, Managing Director of Informatics Group of Companies as well as dancing sensations Dushyanth Weeraman and Achini Gonagala.
In addition to this illustrious list of invitees were well-wishers, friends and the families of the participants. Their attendance not only encouraged the performers but also added to the aura of the performances themselves.
 The very popular Zeinab and Thilanka hosted the first half of the evening which began with a spectacular welcome dance. The first item for the evening was an emotional solo titled 'Ukulata Nawath Eda Wage' accompanied by the piano.
The song, which describes love towards one's mother, brought a tear to many an eye. Following a thunderous applause was a flashback in time as a bubbly and cheerful troupe performed a collage of dances to songs from the popular 1970's hit movie 'Grease'. The part timers then took to stage and performed an equally captivating dance item titled 'Sandakomaliya' which was followed by an unplugged rendition of Creed's 'Arms Wide Open' presented by a group who called themselves 'The Acoustics'.
'Back to the Oldies' was the title of the next performance which was a dance that took the audience back in time yet again to enjoy several well known local tunes of yesteryear.
The dancing continued when a troupe that blended cultures took the stage next. Their item tiled 'Cultural Mix' showcased a fusion of Bharatham and Kandyan dance styles, engaging the audience with something exciting and unexpected.
The first half ended with a short drama titled 'Sigh-ver' which followed the hilarious story of 3 uptown girls who stumbled into a roadside restaurant mistakenly to be treated to things they never imagined occurred in the outside world.
The second half began with an explosive performance by the 'Dancing Jodis' who performed a group dance that would have made some Bollywood choreographers proud.
Their item was followed by an item called 'Wackopella' during which an interesting group of IIT students performed acapella renditions of several songs in a manner never seen or heard before. 'Nursery Crimes' was next - a drama performed by the 4th year full-time students of IIT whose story was based in a Montessori setting with hilarious ad-libs and wordplay.
The Three Line Crew took to stage afterwards performing their rendition of the popular Jay-Z/Rihanna/ Kanye West hit 'Run this Town' which mixed into a hip hop dance routine that was truly "Ill" in ghetto lingo.
A drama by the 4th year part timers titled 'Gang-Star Season 1' was next and took us behind the scenes literally, as it followed a producer looking for the next movie star and the pandemonium that are the auditions. Closing the night was IIT's very own choir performing a beautiful choral rendition of several songs from the popular cartoon 'Lion King' followed by the IIT anthem.
All in all what could be said is that backstage or onstage, behind the scenes or at the very heart of one, everyone involved in Stage Craft 2010 contributed beyond measure.
The spirit, energy and determination of both the organizers and performances certainly gives credit to the Informatics Institute of Technology which has, through events such as these, created not just academics, but well-rounded individuals capable of serving our society better.
The role that theatre should play in the contemporary world has been well established by this event. This year's rendition of Stage Craft received the highest viewership since its inception. This celebration of talent has indeed seized the attention of those who appreciate quality entertainment and will definitely continue to do so in its many further instalments to come.
Dino Corera,
1st Year Student, IIT. |
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