In search of the elusive Chuck

By Sanchith Karunaratne

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As opening night draws near and the pursuit for ‘Chuck’ is still on, this week we get an insight into the vibrant cast of Ladies’ College who will take on the many twists and turns of “Dear Chuck.”

The play is a contemporary dramedy written by playwright Jonathan Dorf. It is a modern play that focusses on the many silent hardships young adults face. This witty pacey play that fuses humour perfectly with a series of strong messages will leave audiences amazed by what they discover about themselves. This play which is a series of 34 moments each dealing with its own issue is a step outside the box to the usual productions done at school level. In conversation with a few members of the cast spanning 79 girls we got a first hand feel of what it is to be a part of the theatrical process and the cast of “Dear Chuck.”

Shalini Corea (19), an Arts student who is the leader of the cast, said that this play was a challenge to her at first. Taking to theatre at the tender age of just 7, Shalini fell in love with performing from a very young age. Her talent was widened and fostered within school as she was a part of several Sinhala and Tamil productions. She later was a part of several distinguished Ladies’ College productions most notably winning the best actress award at the 2015 Shakespeare Drama festival for her brilliant portrayal of Petrucio in ‘Taming of the Shrew.’

An ardent believer in welfare who aspires to become a charitable personality and follow theatre, Shalini is both talented and an achiever in many fields. Being a prefect, debater, chorister, tennis player, President of the English Literary Society and a Karate Black belt who enjoys musicals, her vibrant personality comes into play on stage.

As “Dear Chuck” has no lead roles Shalini will be playing several parts within the play. “This is indeed different to what I’ve been a part of or seen in Sri Lanka. It was a challenge but indeed much more freeing. It’s a play that makes you think and brings out depth through humour and normality,” said Shalini who also said that she relishes the chance to play different roles rather than just one. She also said it was refreshing to be a part of the production that does not fit the norms of contemporary schools productions.

Akarsha Jirasinha

Akarsha Jirasinha (17) , a Mathematics student is a passionate dancer and food enthusiast.She is the embodiment of a jack of all trades. She also said that she enjoys lyrical music. Having taken part in several inter-house competitions within school and branching out to both Sinhala and Tamil theatre Akarsha had many poignant memories on stage.

She will play several roles and enjoys the opportunity to add her own input to the production. Taarshi Raghavan (18), arts student stated the play was “ordinary but out of the ordinary”. An avid reader and firm Potterhead, Taarshi enjoys 90’s music and pieces by Cillian Murphy. Taarshi too fell in love with theatre at a very young age. As Taarshi too will be playing many diverse roles she enjoys the opportunity presented to her through the play. “I’ve always been a guy so it’s nice to be a girl in a few of the roles,” said Taarshi. She says that playing three roles in a naturalistic way was unfamiliar to her. She said however that she attempts to compare her role to things she’s seen on screen. “I play a less catty Regina George, an angry Ron Burgandy and a few more,” said Taarshi who enjoys the freedom she’s had to explore her roles. Being a senior she however said that it was also saddening to know that this may be her last production in school.

Suhanya Joseph De Saram (19), Arts student stated that the play was “raw, unfiltered and thought provoking”. With a love for music and classical fiction Suhanya aspires to be a diplomat. Having been mainly in a back stage role providing live music and being in the crew for most productions she said that acting was a new and exciting experience for her. Suhanya who will be playing the role of a pretentious teenager who paints a façade on social media said that this play gives an eye opening platform and addresses relevant issues we all face growing up.

Haadiyah Marikar (19) year old Arts student who is the stage manager for the production said that the play is “different and something that makes you think”. Having been behind the scenes for many Ladies College productions Haadiya feels her role of being the governor general behind the scenes was something she was very familiar with. “Even though the job is stressful my team and the directors make my job very easy.
“Dear Chuck” will be held from Nov 25 – 26, 2016 at the Ladies’ College Main Hall.