One remarkable production
“Hamlet” was the lucky play to score big at this year’s Interschool Shakespeare Competition. Organized by the Rotary Club of Colombo North and the YMCA the young performers in both Boys and Girls categories delivered mature enactments that are still freshly embedded in our memories.
Pix by Indika Handuwala
Speaking to the Mirror Magazine we unravel how champions in the Girls Category – Ave Maria Convent stayed “true” to themselves at the Girls Finals held recently at the Bishop’s College Auditorium.
“I always loved the play,” director of the Ave Maria Convent cast, Roshane Jayampathy (22), says of the the schools jubilant win. Roshane has dipped his fingers into the world of drama from the age of 6, taking part in productions in and out of his alma mater St. Joseph’s College. Hamlet holds a sense of nostalgia for this director as he recalls when he himself took part in Hamlet at the Interschool Shakespeare Drama Competition in 2009.
His solo directorial debut in 2016 was when he directed Ave Maria Convent’s “As you like it”. Roshane credits his mentor Harshana Rathnayake, who he assisted in directing plays for both Good Shepherd Convent and Loyola College Negombo from 2013 – 15.
For Hamlet’s concept this year Roshane stayed true to the ‘period drama’, thus allowing him to “paint the bigger picture overall,” he says. However, he adds that he also wanted a “ dark production, ” whilst equally highlighting the “sadness in Hamlet”. Roshane says he also wanted to bring out Hamlet and Polonius’ journey through the play.
Another noteworthy character in their play was Ophelia – who Roshane remarks is a “strong supporting character”. He used these three leads to show a vast array of emotions and relationships. One significant point was when Hamlet pleads “Get thee to a nunnery” to Ophelia in a calm, collected and almost gentle tone – a contrast to the many relationship dynamics that were played out during the competition.
Shevodi Perera
Roshane’s vision here was to depict a contrast from the “craziness of Ophelia and the coolness of Hamlet” making it a tightrope balancing act of emotions as he artfully climaxed the normality and chaos in this 30 minute production.
When asked to elaborate on the path that led to their winning moment Roshane laughs “It was a huge process”. However the story and its concept “were always in the back of my mind”. With regard to his ensemble Roshane was adamant to be equitable in casting. “It’s not only about Hamlet’s lunacy,” he shares adding that he edited the script in a way that “everyone got a chance to play their roles properly.”
However, the end results at the finals were purely because of “the kids” he smiles. “Without them being as strong and talented as they were there may not have been a chance of winning.” However he humbly shares “I didn’t direct them just to win they learnt something out of this experience as well”
Andrea Fernando
Speaking to the lead cast – Andrea Fernando, Andrea Oshadhi, Muthuni Dissanayake and Shevodi Perera on their experiences as the school came into the finals after 3 years and won after 10 years
Currently sitting for her O’Levels, Ms. Fernando who played Hamlet could not be kept off stage. “I love the stage,” she gushes, having previously played roles such as Puck from Midsummer Night’s Dream and Desdemona from Othello.
Having largely played female characters she was shocked when cast as the male lead. “Hamlet was a lot of pressure to re-enact,” she says. For those grueling 1 ½ months of practice she reveals “I stopped most of my contact with my friends and was in character 24/7.” Her choice of method acting allowed her to understand the loneliness Hamlet felt along with the rage and insanity that comes after.
She found her soliloquy challenging. Largely unedited, to do justice to this poignant piece she “broke down and was myself” she says.
Joining the shakes cast in Grade 08 , Ms. Oshadhi previously played characters such as “Phoebe” from “As you like it” adding that this year she wanted to depict a “strong Ophelia.” However, the cast was riddled with challenges as Muthuni, the cast leader, shares pointing out that the ensemble was made of extremely petite actresses who lacked the stature to play men. However, “Roshane aiya played to our talents” she shares.
Muthuni Dissanayake
Student’s grade 6 to 14 played the spirits of the soldiers loyal to King Hamlet – killed by Claudius. Their bounded loyalty to King Hamlet was represented by the chains covering their bodies.
“We initially had no idea about Shakes,” Muthuni admits adding as an outstation school they rarely get the opportunity to take part in these types of competitions.
Muthuni who played Hamlet’s mother Queen Gertrude shares that during their performance at the finals she became invested in the emotions she actually shed tears at Ophelia’s death. To this Shevodi adds “Roshane aiya gave us a lot of freedom to act and react.”
One particular scene from finals comes to mind as Hamlet crawls on a table and one of the ghosts clings to the bottom of the table mirroring his crawl upside down (this miniature ghost was revealed to be Ms Fernando’s younger sister). The two sisters being gymnasts helped immensely. When ultimately asked what they would take away from the winning moment there is a hush and a shared smile among the girls as Muthuni speaks on their behalf “The memories we created.”
Pix by M.A.Pushpa Kumara
Roshane Jayampathy