Hard work pays off for St. Joseph’s College cast at drama competition
The St. Joseph’s College cast behind the winning adaptation of “King Lear” had never read the play before and while being more familiar with the bard’s other work, the boys were surprised to learn from past pupil and director Kevin Cruze that they’d be taking on the play.
In “King Lear” Shakespeare observes family politics when a throne is at stake, chronicling the title character’s descent into madness when he is abandoned by his own daughters.
The play is one of the playwright’s most well-known works and its title role is one coveted by accomplished actors around the world.
Lear, played by Heshal Peiris, is a challenging role. The king is not an easy man to empathise with, and the scenes given to the cast (Act 2 scene 4, Act 3 scene 2) are not his most forgiving moments.
Cast member of St. Joseph’s College receiving their award
- Cast member of St. Joseph’s College receiving their award
“I had to develop my role gradually,” says Heshal. “To get the mannerisms right I observed older people, especially on the road, to pick up the right posture and expressions.”
His daughters Goneril and Regan, were played by Melantha Cruse and Joshua Perera respectively. They persuade their father to hand over the kingdom with great flattery but once he has done so, attempt to cast him out of their individual homes.
Melantha and Joshua knew that portraying their roles on stage was not just about the wigs and the costumes; “we wanted to make it believable,” says Melantha. “So we worked really hard to make sure we got even the smallest things right.”
In the castle, few are faithful to the old king. Gloucester, played by Dulith Fernando, is one of the few.
Dulith
Ostracised from his daughters Lear stumbles out into a stormy night in the moors with his trusted fool and the two are joined by Kent, a faithful noble in disguise (played by Wayne White).
Former Josephian Kevin Cruze directed the play along with several other past pupils.
He credits his cast (the main characters and the 20+ students who took on minor roles) with “pulling up their socks and getting on with it,” despite the short time frame.
“The Shakespeare competition is the stepping stone to bigger roles for most actors,” he says.
The boys, similarly, believe that the competition is an eye opener for any actor and student and say that it’s all about hard work when it comes to being successful in the competition.
Heshan
The cast thanked the school, their parents, teachers and the old boys for their support.
Joshua
Kevin
Wayne