D.S. Senanayake College takes home coveted inter-school drama prize

By Tarini Pilapitiya

A look back at the gripping performances by the Boys’ Finalists at the 45th inter-school Shakespeare Drama competition

View(s):

Sitting at the Bishop’s College Auditorium last weekend, the palpable excitement weighed heavy in the air at the 45th annual Interschool Shakespeare drama competition – Boys organized by the Colombo YMCA and Rotary Club of Colombo North.

Cast of D.S. Senanayake College. Pix by M.A. Pushpa Kumara

Judging over the four finalist schools; Ananda College, St. Peter’s College, D.S. Senanayake College and St. Benedict’s College was Vinodh Senadheera and Jill McDonald.

All four schools emerged consistent in their production delivery in the finals from the semi finals. Kicking off the competition was Ananda College as they tackled Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors.”

A somewhat dark take to the farcical comedy Ananda played on the tones of enmity surrounding the play through their use of non speaking roles. White ‘statue’ like figures hissed and curled their fingers at the leads characters. It was in fact Rithmaka Karunadhara the Dromio of Sycracuse/ Ephesus, Best Supporting Actor, who coaxed the laughs with his witty one liners, childlike muddled expressions and overall bursts of energy that brought out the true comedic elements of the overall production.

The performance by St Peter’s College had a few changes from their semi-final act. However, Petruchio carried his consistent robust energy from throughout into the finals – with his philosophical ponderings mixed with a carefree countenance. Although the ensemble cast displayed their well branded knack for slapstick comedy, it was Petruchio who ended their exercpt with his final soliloquy brandishing his questionable methods of Taming the Shrew as he physically gifted his advice in the form of a red blanket to a stunned audience member in the first row.

D. S Senanayake College

A strong solid performance that evening was put on by D. S. Senanayake College who also did a double act in their exerts of the “Comedy of Errors.” Sending the audience into peals of laughter the play was set against a picturesque scene. A charming vintage atmosphere surrounding the play made it all the more memorable.

Notable was also the partnership of the two young actors playing Antipholus and Dromio of Sycracuse/ Ephesus who brought individual mannerisms to each of their two characters making neither alike nor identical in their portrayal. Quick costume changes, extra characters with their own unique storylines, a strong ensemble cast from the lovely Luciana to the hilariously befuddled Adriana the play was consistent in the pace of production never neglecting a minute of teasing the audience with laughter.

Much kudos to the supporting cast who kept the play lively and enjoyable.

St. Benedict’s College also emerged a strong contender with their take on Henry the VI – Part III securing them a first runners up in the competition. The production had many highs from its portrayal of a villainous queen Margaret, a vengeful Clifford and emotive Earl of Northumberland and even the range of emotions from the Duke’s sons. Noteworthy was Dimithry Jayawardhena who played Richard, the Duke of York who showed his prowess in capturing the shades of tragedy of the fall of power and the loss of a child giving the audience an emotive performance to remember and leaving no room for debating his well deserved award as Best Actor that evening.

Overall Winners:

3rd runners up – Ananda College
2nd runners up – St. Peter’s college
1st runners up – St. Benedict’s College
Winners – D. S. Senanayake College
St. Benedict’s College

Best Actor
Richard, the Duke of York – Dimmithry Jayawardene (St. Benedict’s College)
Best Supporting Actor
Dromio of Sycracuse/ Ephesus – Rithmaka Karunadhara (Ananda College)
Best Stage Craft
Ananda College
Best Novice School
Lyceum International School, Wattala