Shakespeare with a twist
Merging four famous plays together, the Gateway College drama troupe’s ‘Midnight Saga’ is aimed at ‘modern audiences’
We’ve all heard of different adaptations of Shakespearean dramas; the ones that stick to the original script without a hint of change, the radically different ones and the slapstick comedic ones. But ‘Midnight Saga’, performed by the drama troupe of Gateway College will be the one with a twist.
Pix by: Hasitha Kulasekera
What makes ‘Midnight Saga’ stand out conceptually from the rest is the fact that it ingrains four different Shakespearean plays together; Macbeth, Hamlet, Othello and Midsummer Night’s Dream in a manner that is applicable to modern audiences. “The language and thematic portrayals are kept very much intact, but the music and underlying themes have a relevant contemporary touch to it”, says renowned artistic director, Jerome De Silva. Giving his insights into directing the ‘Midnight Saga’, Jerome believes that the real essence of Shakespeare is captivated by the Gateway drama troupe.
‘Midnight Saga’ will start off with the timeless classic Macbeth, where the three witches will play an influential role, planting the seed of evil. It then progresses onto Hamlet, Othello, Midsummer Night’s Dream, and will eventually end back at Macbeth. “The main scenes will be acted out from all four plays, and there is an evil theme that runs throughout”, mentions Jerome. This theme is successfully carried across the four plays by virtue of the three witches from Macbeth, who influence different characters from the four plays -coercing them to make the wrong decision- at different stages of the drama.
Precilia Gunalan
“It is imperative that we stick to Shakespeare’s original use of language, because that is the way he intended it to be”, Jerome mentions, telling us that the language and themes should not be maligned in the process of adapting the play to fit the current generations. “We have used subtle changes of music and costumes, but the unique beauty that lies in a classic Shakespeare tale remains the same. I am a bit of purist”, he laughs.
That being said, ‘Midnight Saga’ steers clear of any areas that would be deemed ‘boring’ by modern audiences. The cast has craftily managed to include modern music and even modern dance sequences that will aspire to keep the audiences gripped, while delicate comedy runs throughout the play.
“It’s been a highly engaging experience since the plot runs through four plays. The original concepts were kept intact, but as performers we had to accustom ourselves to different types of acting”, says Melantha Jansz (16), who plays the effervescent Othello. Traditional Shakespearean story-telling is very much alive, but he mentions that the clothing they don will add a modern touch to the play – something that the audiences will find very receptive.
Speaking about his character, he mentions that an intimate balance is struck between moments of kind-heartedness and fury. “Othello sways in his love for Desdemona, and this brings about the changes in his character. He is confused in his actions”, Melantha adds, shedding light on his character’s tribulations. For Melantha, it’s all about fitting in role, and he believes that all the performers have done their utmost in diving whole-heartedly into the characters they portray.
Melantha Jansz
Jumana Ibrahim (15) plays Lady Macbeth, and she tells us of her role which strives for power in a male dominated society. “The general theme of malice and evil is kept alive by Lady Macbeth’s role, and it shows how evil thoughts can poison us”, Jumana mentions. Much like Jumana’s role, there are evil characters dotted across the drama however Jerome has made sure that the play ends on a merry note – denoting the message that good overcomes all evil at the end of the say.Holding the entire play together is narrator Precilia Dushenka Gunalan (15).
“The drama shifts from one play to the other, and there needs to be someone to guide the audiences without breaking the flow”, says Precilia, and that’s exactly what she’ll be doing on the 25th. The integral role she plays is made prominent by the fact that the entire drama travels through a gradual change in the styles of acting. However, she mentions that those changes will only make the play more likeable by the audiences.
What will be in store for audiences is a refreshing take to Shakespearean drama. It’ll surely be a “thriller”, says Melantha with a wink, and we’re left with much curiosity about his choice of wording. There’s only one way to find out!
‘Midnight Saga’ will be held on July 25, at the Lionel Wendt. There will be two shows at 3.30 pm and 7.30 p.m. Tickets are priced at Rs. 2,000, 1,500, 750, 500 and are available at Gateway College, Rajagiriya and at the Lionel Wendt.
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