A magical land rises from a series of workshops
The young ones in action. Pix by Amila Gamage
Entering the mystical land of Yggdrasil the children from an orphanage are caught up in the battle between the Shrifflers (the good guys) and Grimmens (the bad guys).
Stagecraft, the School of Musical Theatre and Performing Arts presents ‘The Missing Piece, A journey of imagination, friendship and love’ on February 28 and 29 at the Punchi Theatre. The production is directed by Stagecraft’s founders Rapti Fernando and Suranjika Bartholomeusz.
This fictional world was created by the children who attended Stagecraft’s different workshops titled ‘A-Z of what to know in theatre production’. While Sri Lanka puts on a lot of interesting productions, what is special about ‘The Missing Piece’ is that the children were the brains behind it from the name itself to the costume details, the posters, the lighting and the props.
The land of Yggdrasil was at peace, when Zon spurred by jealousy killed the king and created a faction called the Grimmens. A portal between our world and Yggrasil, made out of puzzle pieces is found in the orphanage and when Kiyan, a gifted young boy draws up the missing piece, the entire orphanage is caught up in an adventure.
The one and a half hour production has five original songs which have been written by Adalia Ananthan (who also plays Nina who runs the orphanage) and composed by Shenithya Jayatunge, Adalia, and Rapti. The script was by Anuki Keenawinna, Asma Rizan, Shanya Perera, Rohara Perera, Adalia and Chethana Ratnayake.
“The problems that children encounter in society today are quite different because they are not as sheltered as they once were and they are exposed to a lot more issues. We wanted to write something which would have all those emotions, for example they are going to be separated, and they have to learn how to deal with the emotions that come with that. We also brought in the element of bullying as it is a serious issue today,” says Rapti about the themes they want to convey with the show.
Through the workshops the cast learnt diffferent aspects of theatre such as Amplified Sound and Effects, Lighting and Special Effects, Costume Design and Execution, Stage Makeup, Front of House and Media, Backstage, Instrumentation, Art and Design, Photography, Videography of a live production and Props.
“I attended the makeup, costume and sound workshops. I liked the makeup workshop because the facilitator (Buddhi Galappathi) used us as the models and made up our faces at every single workshop to show us the different techniques. He taught us how to make up the face and hair of an old man, how to do animals and fantasy makeup. It was really great,” said Aalimah Farazy, 13, who plays a Grimmen.
“I composed three melodies and also play the piano and clarinet. Being a part of the production was fun and it helped me find my talents in composing,” says Shenithya Jayatunge.
The food that the Shrifflers eat, a unique looking cheese with feather like attachments on it was made by the children who participated in the Props workshop conducted by Charith de Silva.
For tickets priced at Rs 2000 (downstairs) and Rs 1000 ( balcony), please call 0772278878.