Gateway College Takes on Austen – and Pulls It Off
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Gateway College Negombo’s Drama Club didn’t just stage Pride and Prejudice. They reinvented it. The production, a contemporary musical adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel, landed with confidence, sharp, energetic, and clearly the work of a cast and crew who meant business. Director Jerome L. de Silva helmed the show, with screenplay and lyrics by Octavia Don Paul and Alanna Gunasekera, who also pulled double duty as Assistant Directors. Music arrangements by Sural Galagamuwa kept the energy high and the emotions grounded.
Vinhara Saputhanthiri was a standout as Elizabeth Bennet quick, assured, and entirely convincing. Opposite her, Devin Jayakody played Darcy with the right amount of restraint, letting the character’s walls come down slowly rather than all at once. Senanya Weerakoon and Rehan Fernando brought easy chemistry to Jane and Bingley, while Kulansa Sansuvi’s Lydia threatened to steal every scene she walked into. Sadev Rangana’s Mr. Collins was exactly what the role demands: pompous, oblivious, and genuinely funny.
Backstage, the production held together just as well. Dhashaa Premkumar’s stage management kept things moving, Nruthya Wewaldeniya’s design gave the show a coherent visual identity, and Alanna Gunasekera’s hair and makeup work added polish. Sound by Unique Sounds (Pvt) Ltd did its job without ever drawing attention to itself, which is exactly what good sound design should do.
The original songs were the production’s biggest gamble and its biggest payoff. They didn’t feel bolted on. They moved the story forward and gave the performers room to do more than just recite Austen.
In her review, Nafeesa K. Amiruddeen praised the performance as “a vibrant and creative interpretation that showcased both the talent and dedication of the young performers.” She also noted that “the songs added emotional depth to the narrative,” highlighting the effectiveness of the musical format.
Overall, the production stood as a testament to the students’ talent, dedication, and passion for the performing arts. By reimagining a timeless story in a contemporary style, Gateway College’s Drama Club succeeded in creating a performance that was both entertaining and memorable, leaving audiences with a renewed appreciation for Austen’s enduring themes.
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