All for one and one for all
The Old Royalists Association of Dramatists of Royal College, Colombo 7 is getting ready with their production of Alexandre Dumas’ The Three Musketeers. Ashiq Dole directs the cast, which comprises Royal College novices, with a some experienced actors who have represented the College at competitions such as the annual inter-school Shakespeare competition. The main female roles will be taken up by young actresses from schools such as Ladies’ College, Bishop’s College, Visakha Vidyalaya, and Lyceum International School, Wattala. While most some of these actresses having won awards and nominations for previous competitions. 
“One thing that’s unique about our production is how each scene emphasises the chemistry between the characters. We want to highlight the different personalities of the musketeers,” says Ashiq Dole, the director.
Diversity of characters
He adds that the various plot twists and multiple story lines brings out the diversity of the characters. The 2-hour production promises to be packed with humour, thrilling sword fights and infused with a good dose of romance. “Getting this production on the stage has been challenging both for the actors, and the production crew. The author conveys a lot of excitement and adventure; to execute this, the actors and actresses have spent immense time characterising and, I feel, doing justice to the roles that they’ve been given. It’s been very demanding in terms of energy.”
Athos, the chief musketeer, is played by Madara Thalduwa who has been acting in English Drama at Royal College since 2011. “Athos is very sharp-witted and commanding. He is tormented by his past. I hope to portray the right characteristics throughout the play with consistency,” says Madara. The Three Musketeers is his third public production.
About Aramis
Cast leader, Pravin Jayasundere, who plays Aramis, says: “Aramis is almost too legendary for me to comprehend. He is reserved but confident, spiritual but inclined towards being amorous, a passionate creative, but also a skilled swordsman. When I first took on the role, it was difficult to not get overwhelmed as to how great a person Aramis actually is, let alone that I would one day have to do justice to the legendary musketeer that Alexandre Dumas (and later Ken Ludwig) envisioned.”
“I felt that I had to push myself and better myself as a human being to be able to do justice to Aramis the Musketeer. To be confident in my actions, to be slick in my sword fighting, to be charming with my vocabulary, these are a few of Aramis’ traits that I had to get down before I could start to add my individuality to this role,” he explains. He admits that it was the most challenging role he has played up until today. “People get to have role models, and Aramis has been nothing less than that to me. The fact that I get to be my own role model up until the production closes, is something that is truly special to me. Aramis the Musketeer continues to drive me towards being a better actor, as well as being a better person than I already am,” he enthuses. “Aramis’ energy and exuberance knows no boundaries, and to be filled with that kind of adrenaline for three days in front of a crowd is something I look forward to.”
Cardinal Richelieu
The dastardly Cardinal Richelieu is played by Kaif Sally who thinks this antagonist manages to charmingly encompass the clichéd characteristics of a scheming and villainous deviant whilst simultaneously portraying more humane qualities like resilience and humility. “Ultimately, the Cardinal only wants the best for France – that is, to centralise power in a kingdom haphazardly governed by incompetent rulers and nobility, and lawlessly policed by provincial vigilantes and *ahem* musketeers. Admittedly, as we follow the Cardinal throughout the play, we learn his methods aren’t the most conventional,” Kaif opines. “The existence of a pure motive, an unrivalled work ethic in reaching the said motive and an unconventional moral compass is what I find most interesting about the Cardinal.”
“As all actors do – I hope to put on a convincing and unique performance that will entertain and be forever engrained in the hearts of my audience.” This 18-year-old Royalist admits that twisting and manipulating the emotions of those around him has been a guilty pleasure. “Theatre (which I got into in 2017), has proven to be the most enjoyable outlet for my obsession.”
Milady de Winter
Equally passionate about playing an antagonist is Amaya Fernando of Visakha Vidyalaya who has been acting in school competitions for around 8 years. She plays Milady de Winter. “Milady is now the second favourite character I have played. She portrays a level of self-confidence that is very rare to be seen in women, in general, regardless of whether it’s the 17th century or 21st century. It’s absolutely fascinating to me how she uses her confidence to manipulate, persuade, seduce and draw people towards her. It’s quite interesting to explore the different dimensions and dynamics of her character and to be reminded with the progress of the play that she is essentially human.
Amaya believes it’s important to contribute towards theatre in Sri Lanka and has been involved in it even after leaving school. “It has been really interesting acting with students of another school; it’s an experience I never thought I’d get to have. As a seasoned thespian, I love giving my own contribution to the play, and also helping the boys get a better understanding of how to play realistic female roles.
Explaining her portrayal of Milady, Amaya says: “Each time she enters a scene, and speaks, it should be as though no one can look away from her. She is supposed to be one of the most beautiful women of France, referred to as a red-haired goddess. I have to get that across with my acting and portray her as an extremely flirtatious, fearless character.”
D’artagnan Sabine
Nilushi Dewapura, a past pupil of Visakha Vidyalaya and currently an undergraduate at Law College while also studying International Relations at the University of Colombo, plays D’artagnan Sabine: “Sabine is a lively, energetic character who is outgoing and bossy. I like the fact that she and I have similar character traits which help me merge better with the character. Her bubbly persona is a pleasure to portray on stage.”
Like the rest of the cast, Nilushi too aspires to do justice to her role. “Out of the numerous roles I’ve played, fitting into Sabine’s shoes has been a joyride. I hope the audience enjoys the character as much as I did.”
Constance Bonacieux
Constance Bonacieux, is played by Akarsha Jirasinha, who schooled at Ladies’ College and has been an actress since the age of 12. “I was lucky to have had the opportunity to perform in Sinhalese, Tamil and English dramas. The character I am playing in this play is fun and lovable on the surface, but she also has elements of strength, courage and fearlessness. This is one of the most challenging roles I’ve had to play; this is also the first time I am playing a female role. It’s especially challenging because my character is an elegant lady, and whether or not that fits my own character description is questionable. But I am definitely having a lot of fun playing this role.”
“I hope to portray Constance as she was meant to be seen, not just a helpless damsel in distress but also a woman who is loyal and courageous.”
King Louis XIII
Royal College Prefect, 19-year-old Nipun Kannangara brings to life the role of King Louis XIII. “King Louis XIII is a very fun and joyful character who loves lots of things, but sometimes gets agitated by the simplest things. I absolutely love playing this character because of this,” he says.
This rendition of The Three Musketeers promises to be full of passion, talent and energy through the efforts of its director, old boys, actors and actresses – it’s the crux of amateur theatre and all the pleasant surprises it has in store for the beholder.
The play will run from January 25-27 at the Lionel Wendt Theater at 7 pm. Tickets will be available at the Lionel Wendt.