Wackford Squeers and his wife were almost every 19th century boy’s worst nightmare.
Regardless of the ill treatment though, their charges at the school for unfortunate boys did not let the cruelty get to them, and it is this story and message that the Drama Society of S. Thomas’ College will bring to life in Nickleby at the Lionel Wendt on July 17, 18 and 19 at 7.30 pm.
Combine Wackford Squeers, Vincent Crummles, Sir Mulberry Hawk, Charles Cheerybyle and many other quirky and interesting characters, and you get a typical Dickensian story with a whole host of principal characters.
Nickleby is a musical based on the more important of these characters, and relates the famous story of the nineteen year old Nicholas Nickleby who is given the responsibility of supporting his family after his father’s death.
Under the direction of Vinod Senadheera, 60 Thomians have practiced for the past two and a half months for this production and look forward to bringing Dickensian England to life once again.
“This is a unique production,” enthuses Vinod, “because we have used a very minimalist set and really concentrated on the acting, singing, music and dancing. In contrast to our previous productions, we will be accompanied by a large band.”
We learn further that Nickleby is not merely the story of the famous literary figure, but the dramatization of this story, with a twist. Without revealing too much about the production beforehand, it would be safe to say that it is vital that the audience does not miss seeing the beginning of the production, in order that they understand the twist.
While Dickens wrote Nicholas Nickleby in 1838 and the theme is pertinent to this context, the cast and director of Nickleby agree that the adaptation, and the story itself, are to an extent relevant to the contemporary scenario. Says Vinod, “the play underlines the serious themes of child abuse and loneliness and attempts to convey a message which says – ‘don’t let life get you down’. And one of the aims of the show is also to show the importance of showing children due love and appreciation and to bring out the concept of the importance of the child’s voice in a difficult society.” Apart from the value of the message it conveys, Nickleby takes a step further.
“Along with the performance,” explains Vinod, “We will be conducting an interesting project which will involve providing children in the IDP camps with a 1000 exercise books.”
This is how the project works. Each souvenir bought by members of the audience, will contain a single exercise book. At the end of the performance, the books may be handed over to the boys who will be at the exits.
Sponsored by Art TV, E FM, the Daily Mirror and the Sunday Times, Nickleby is produced and directed by Vinod Senadheera, the music is handled by Shannon Jacob, effects by Imran Packir Saibo and the choreography by Tarja De Silva and Bharatha De Silva.
Tickets for the show priced at Rs. 1000/-, 750/-, 500/- and 400/- will be available at the Lionel Wendt.
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