Shakespeare Drama Competition takes centre stage at Maris Stella’s Centenary Celebration
View(s):Young thespians of Negombo brought The Bard’s timeless genius to life recently at the inter-school Shakespeare Drama Competition organised in lieu of the school’s Centenary Celebration. Maris Stella College, the bastion of Catholic education in Negombo, is no stranger to Shakespearean theatre having clinched many accolades through the years which stand in testament to the school’s commitment to the craft.
The Shakespeare Drama Competition was part of a line-up of competitions intending to promote fellowship among schools in the Negombo Division, which included: Singing (English & Sinhala), Dancing (Eastern), Art & Sculpture, Drama (English & Sinhala), News reading (English & Sinhala), Digital Arts and Science & Technology (innovations).
Winners were awarded valuable prizes courtesy of the College’s Old Boys’ Association (OBA) which took initiative in making the Centenary Celebration, and events leading up to same, successful through their passion, commitment & loyalty to the Alma Mater.
The judging panel for the drama competition consisted of seasoned veterans of local as well as global repute, namely, Kevin Cruze of Cold Theatre 7, filmmaker Delon Weerasinghe and Director/Producer, Nishantha de Silva.
St. Peter’s College Colombo 4 – Negombo Branch was awarded the Championship for its production of Macbeth with a contemporary twist, while St. Nicholas’ College secured the second place (Runners-up) for Taming of the Shrew. Shehara Dineth of St. Peter’s College Colombo 4 Negombo Branch & Emma Nemandri Jayasundera of St. Nicholas’ College won Best Actor & Best Supporting Actor for their performances as Macbeth & Grumio respectively.
What sets Shakespeare apart as a playwright is the universalness of his themes & complexness of his characters. The performances reflected an understanding of these nuances & intricacies to a commendable degree.
Representing the judges, addressing a full house of enthusiastic young thespians, Kevin Cruze said: “When it comes to Shakespeare, it is very important to understand what you’re saying – rather than merely learning the lines – so you can keep the performance natural, real & simple.”
“Regardless of the outcome, what’s important is to put on a good show. There’s a lot theatre teaches us that can be helpful in our everyday life. It teaches us to conquer our anxieties & put on a bold front. Don’t let this be the end all & be all – let this be the beginning of something great,” he added.
“Maris Stella’s approach to education has been innovative & creative; this is in line with the open-minded thinking of the founder of the Marist order, St. Marcellin Champagnat who famously said: ‘if you want to teach young people, first you must love them’ and ‘don’t start a school without a playground’. At Maris Stella College, the methodology of instruction is based on five Marist Pillars of Education, namely, 1) Presence among children, 2) In the way of Mary the mother of Jesus, 3) Love of work, 4) Simplicity and 5) Family spirit. The focus is always on human relationships. We strive to create empathetic, enlightened & well-rounded citizens,” Brother Principal asserted.
Commenting on the competitions, he said he was very pleased with the enthusiasm displayed and thanked everyone for their respective contributions: “I would like to thank the sponsors & invitee schools and congratulate sons & daughters of Negombo for taking part in the competitions, seizing the opportunity to showcase their talents. There are no losers, only winners – participation in itself is a victory!”
Teacher-in-charge (drama) at St. Peter’s College Colombo Negombo Branch, Yohan Kurera, lauded Maris Stella College for facilitating a platform for students to showcase their talents. He added: “Being a relatively new school, this was our first ever Shakespeare competition and we are grateful to Maris Stella College for the opportunity provided. I would like to particularly thank Teacher in Charge/Organizer Mrs. Nirmala Wijedasa for her constant support & encouragement. We look forward to using this experience as a stepping stone for our future endeavours pertaining to theatre.”
Meanwhile Fr. Anthony Lakshman, the Rector, St. Nicholas’ College congratulated Maris Stella College on her Centenary Celebration & congratulated St. Peter’s College Colombo 4 Negombo Branch on winning the Championship while adding: “St Nicholas’ College is a novice when it comes to theatre, particularly Shakespearean drama, hence this was an illuminating experience. We would like to thank the organisers for being accommodating & patient with us. We look forward to using drama as a tool to empower students to be forward & fearless.”
Fr. Anthony Lakshman & Fr. Shalindra Kotikawatta, Vice Rector of St. Peter’s College Colombo 4 Negombo Branch thanked Rector of MSC Br. Sunanda Alwis, Vice Rector Br. Pradeep Hettiarachchige and Mrs. Nirmala Wijedasa, Head of English & Literature, for organizing the Shakespeare Drama Competition which was a novel experience for both schools.
Mrs. Nirmala Wijedasa, teacher-in-charge cum organiser of the Shakespeare drama competition, thanked the OBA for their generosity in sponsoring this & other competitions and thanked schools within the Negombo Division for their participation: “I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to OBA President Mr. Ajith Weerasinghe and other members for uncovering the hidden gems of Negombo through this series of competitions leading up to the Centenary Celebration. I also thank all principals, staff members and students of fellow Negombo schools for honouring our invitation & participating in the competitions. We hope it was a memorable experience for them as participants, as it was for us as organizers.”
Teachers in charge of the other competitions: Sinhala Drama – Mr. Muditha Jayasooriya, Singing – Mr. Hemantha Liyanapathirana & Ms. Rathna Fernandopulle, Dancing – Mr. Mahen Perera, Art & Craft – Ms. Deepa Priyadarshani, Science & Technology – Mr. Aruna Dinesh, Mr. Prabath Jayasuriya & Mr. Gayan Sanjeewa and Digital & Media – Mr. Jude Preeman.
Maris Stella College in Negombo is a leading Catholic school in Sri Lanka founded by Marist Brothers in 1922. The school has an impeccable track record of academic as well as extracurricular achievements and has an impressive body of alumni consisting of highly accomplished individuals across various fields.
-Crys Koelmeyer
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