Deep in the jungle is a tribe of females led by the fearless Jungle Queen. They guard a secret known only to them, the monkeys and the Bongly Tribe. Oh, but Charles gets to know about it and so does Jane. When strangers from a big bird in the sky drop in, it seems like the whole world is about to know this secret…

Taking you to the deep, dark heart of the jungle, through drama, song and dance is the Junior Section of Colombo International School (CIS) this February, when they present Jungle Fantasy, a mavericks
musical production. We caught up with some of the students who told us about their roles and also what they've learnt so far.

Tasha Fernando (11) plays the fearless Jungle Queen. "The Jungle Queen is fearsome, a very
powerful character and she is also supposed to be very rude, strict and sarcastic," says Tasha, adding that her character also experiences and explores love.

The Jungle Queen guards a secret. Yet what is this secret? Who else knows about it?

Maneshka Karunananda (10) plays the role of Charles, the educated ape who also has the task of protecting the secret. There's a monkey secret service which works under Charles. "The idea is to keep the secret of the spring of youth without letting anyone else know about it," says Maneshka.

Ah, but Jane gets to know about it and wants to find the spring of youth. Charles keeps on changing the subject, but it doesn't seem to work.

Jane is very bossy and commanding, says Nela Aluwihare (11) who plays the role. Jane is also
growing old and wants to go to this special place called the spring of youth. But, there's another side to Jane.

"She is like a mother to this other character, Tartan who lost his mother when he was very young," Nela adds. Tartan is played by Mevin Manamperi (11). "Tartan is a very educated jungle man, but he doesn't show it at times, especially in front of Jane, who is like a mother to him. He is also very strong, but people think he is weak.

Tartan is very lively and makes everyone laugh," Mevin adds. The play involves a cast of over 180 students between 7 and 11 years, playing roles ranging from strong male and female characters and witches, to the more lively monkeys and jungle tribes.

Jungle Fantasy is produced and directed by Yusra Mushtaq, while Jayanthi Sivapragasam serves as the choral director. The choreographers are Menik Neydorff and Sarah Hill.

Jungle Fantasy will be staged on February 5 and 6 at the school auditorium from 6.30 p.m. onwards. Tickets are available at the Junior School Office.