The Annual Inter School Drama Competition aptly called ‘Theatre Fest 2012, organized by Alethea International School for the 3rd consecutive year, sponsored by Aspirations Education and Edexcel London Examination in association with Trinity College London witnessed intense competition with over 10 schools which included schools from Nuwara Eliya and Kandy on the 25th and 26th [...]

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Theatre Fest 2012- Aspire to excel Stars win tour to University of Canberra

Royal College Colombo emerged winners
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The Annual Inter School Drama Competition aptly called ‘Theatre Fest 2012, organized by Alethea International School for the 3rd consecutive year, sponsored by Aspirations Education and Edexcel London Examination in association with Trinity College London

Winners of the Trip to Universiity of Canberra -Deanna Fakhir Alethea’s Juliet and Minuri Dharmasena as Hermione & Samantha Modder of Gateway as Leontes in A Winter’s Tale with Mrs. Kumari Hapugalle Perera, CEO/MD of Alethea International School & Mr. Ajith Abeysekera, Chairman of Aspirations Education

witnessed intense competition with over 10 schools which included schools from Nuwara Eliya and Kandy on the 25th and 26th of October at the Bishop’s College auditorium.

Coming on the heels of two other Shakespeare drama competitions, Theatre Fest 2012 was Alethea’s answer to the ever burning need for a holistic education. Students come with varied skills and talents and except for those fortunate enough to excel academically, many are written off as failures. At Alethea International School, theatre is just one other mode of assessing a student and this is why it is not only a competition but an internationally recognized examination.

Kumari Hapugalle Perera, CEO/MD of Alethea International School said “At Alethea students are not merely encouraged to dream but to wake up and pursue their dreams with passion and zeal. In order to facilitate this, education is presented in its many facets so as to enable each individual to find his or her own unique way of learning. Thus we have the performing arts – a platform for our young and vibrant artists to exhibit their talents and skills without reserve.”

Aspirations Education along with the University of Canberra, Australia offered a round trip to Australia for the best male and female roles. Tour to University of Canberra was awarded to 3 candidates who bagged the award for best male & female roles Samantha Modder of Gateway College Kandy for her superb role as Leontes in A Winter’s Tale, Deanna Fakhir Alethea’s Juliet, Minuri Dharmasena Gateway, Kandy’s Hermione

Winners of Theater Fest 2012-Royal College with Mrs. Kumari Hapugalle Perera, CEO/MD of Alethea International School, Mrs. Premila Paulraj, Asst. Vice President for Edexcel India Subcontinent & Mr. Ajith Abeysekera, Chairman of Aspirations Education

Ajith Abeysekera, Chairman of Aspirations Education said “This opportunity will offer students an occasion to experience Canberra and day in the life of University of Canberra to mingle with international students and faculty at the prestigious university, inspiring them realize their future career goals through getting exposed to the gamut of avenues available which will help them further their education, skill levels and ambitions”

Premila Paulraj, Asst. Vice President for Edexcel India Subcontinent said “The outstanding performance by our students speak of the high quality of education and training provided by schools. Edexcel is committed to nurturing the talents of these students and to create every opportunity to showcase such talents”

Chief Examiner Valerie Hartman of Trinity College London was a left with the difficult task of adjudicating as each school presented some of Shakespeare’s finest plays. The fact that this was not merely a competition but a Grade 8 level international examination from Trinity College London meant quite a heady finale.

Day 1 saw impressive performances by the participating schools with Romeo and Juliet being the favoured choice of four schools with Macbeth, Hamlet, The Comedy of Errors, A Winter’s Tale, Merchant of Venice and A Mid-Summer Night’s Dream emerging as the other choices. The inclusion of lights and sounds, cleverly designed sets, brilliant costumes and the acting abilities of the young thespians brought to life Shakespeare’s characters in all their glory.

Day 2 opened with a breathtaking traditional dance by a Bevy of Dancers from Alethea International School. The grand finale included performances of the Top 4 schools which were Alethea International School, Colombo International School, Gateway College-Kandy and Royal College, intercepted with messages from distinguished guests as well as comments by the examiner who stressed on the need for relevant characterizations, voice modulation and expression.

As the evening wore on the audience was not disappointed with the final verdict as Royal College Colombo emerged Winners with their brilliant portrayal of Romeo and Juliet. Credit to Mr. Thushara Hettihamu (Royal College) who bagged the Best Director award. Mario Wijeywardana – Nurse in Romeo and Juliet of Royal College and Eran Fernando, Dromio in A Comedy of Errors by Colombo International School walked away with the award for Best Characterization. The award for best supporting male role was a tie between Deshith Gamage, Mercutio of Royal College and Andrew De Silva, Alethea’s Romeo of Romeo and Juliet. Sashini Iddawela who portrayed Paulina in A Winter’s Tale by Gateway College Kandy was the winner of the best female supporting role. The award for the best back stage crew went to Alethea International School who exhibited professionalism. The impressive team comprised Nasweer Fariz, Travin Manuel, Shakoor Ayob, Ruquaiyyah Majeed and Shimraz Sahil.

Gateway College Kandy secured 1st runners up. Colombo International School (CIS) came in 2nd runners up. Alethea International School 3rd runners up.

The award ceremony also featured the launch of the much awaited StageYou.TV, a revolutionary idea from a Sri Lankan to the cyber world. As the curtains came down on Theatre Fest 2012, it had certainly delivered all that it promised and more, once again reminding all, that drama mirrors life as much as life reflects drama and it continues.




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