The difference between Tera Jayewardene and your average 12 year old, is that she believes.
She believes in fairies, rainbows, the power of sunsets and Santa Claus. And it is this firm belief and candid conviction – rare in most children these days – which is displayed in her writing and which makes it unique.

Tera enjoys playing water polo, rowing, chess and her favourite subjects are Art and Maths. An avid reader, she enjoys reading classics and books by English author Jacqueline Wilson (her favourite book being 'The Illustrated Mum'), Tera also enjoys writing in her spare time.

What started off as a play written purely as a hobby, has now snowballed into a fully fledged production which is set to hit the boards in December. "I didn't expect to see it on stage," said Tera, confessing that she was pleasantly surprised and very happy to see her play being enacted on stage. Displaying a confidence and maturity in her writing rare for her age, the play is written in a delightful manner which is able to appeal directly to children and retains the true spirit of Christmas.

The play, which also consists of two original songs written by Tera herself, will be a kaleidoscope of song, dance and drama as the tale unravels on stage. In a nutshell, the play revolves around four siblings, one of whom remains sceptical about Santa Claus. One thing leads to another, and the plot swiftly unfolds as the rest of the children try and convince their pessimistic sister that Santa Claus does, in fact exist.

'Xtrapergus' and Christmas Magic is a holiday song and dance extravaganza for the family especially produced and written for the approaching Christmas Season. The first half of the concert consists of a play written by Tera, while the second half of the show will consist of Christmas items.

The play is directed by Nafeesa K. Amiruddeen and choreographed by Surekha Buell. The vocal direction is by Rapti Fernando and the show also features Danceworld School of Modern and Jazz Ballet and Vocal Essence School of Singing.

Proceeds from the show will be donated to the Cancer Transit Home, Maharagama. 'Xtrapergus' will go on the boards on December 13 and 14 at 7 p.m., at the Bishop's College Auditorium. Tickets for the play can be obtained after December 1 at the Commons Coffee House, 39A, Flower Road, Colombo 7.