The ladies vied for attention on stage as Day One of the Interschool Shakespeare Drama Competition kicked off today(17th). The hallowed halls of the Lionel Wendt once again echoed with the trials and tribulations of the great bard’s characters, and the competition- while not exactly stiff-was certainly tight.
Romeo and Juliet, a play very rarely picked in previous competitions seemed to be
a popular one this time around. Bishop’s College, Sri Sangamitta Balika Vidyalaya,
Mahamaya Girls School Kandy, and Hillwood College Kandy all embraced the
playwright’s most famous work. A Midsummer Night’s Dream was adapted to the stage
by Sirimavo Balika Vidyalaya, Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Girls High School Kandy and
Ave Maria. Sujatha Vidyalaya and Gateway College Kandy enacted The Winter’s Tale.
Standout performances were scattered throughout the day. First to stun the audience with well-rehearsed choreography and a rather gothic take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream was Sirimavo Balika Vidyalaya. Gateway College Kandy presented a commendable take on The Winter’s Tale, while both Ave Maria and Girls High School Kandy added a touch of much needed humour with hilarious renditions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. While no performance of Romeo and Juliet was exemplary, Bishops’s College seemed to present the best version.
Another round of girls’ schools will take the stage today (18th) in the hope of
qualifying for semi-finals. Drop in sometime during the day for a glimpse of some
extraordinary thespians-the event runs from 9am-5pm. Keep tuned to Sunday Times
Online as we bring you more updates!
-Duvindi Illankoon
Pics by Mangala Weerasekera
