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Expressions: music for a cause
By Ruwanthi Herat Gunaratne
What do you get when you mix a bunch of professional and amateur musicians, a horde of enthusiastic Interactors and a common goal together?

Putting it all together; The Intractors from St. Joseph's and the British School

An evening of music and dance guaranteed to thrill the living daylights out of you.

'Expressions' is set to do just that. The brainchild of the Interactors of The British School in Colombo and St. Joseph's College, Expressions is to be an evening of entertainment to hit the stage of the BMICH on August 25. The proceeds of the show are in aid of Ma Sevena, a home for teenage mothers which currently functions under the banner of Sarvodaya.

"The primary objective is to collect funds for the benefit of the home, but we also hope to promote young and talented artistes from a variety of schools. So our line-up will include not only professionals but also amateurs in instrumentals and solo acts as well.

Amongst the professionals set to perform are Antonio's Dance Circle, Independence Square, Delaine Joseph and Wildfire. The amateurs include Dushyanth Weeraman, Nadine Samarasinghe, Chrishantha Perera, Power Failure, Quelled Turmoil and Mevan.

Ma Sevena
Ma Sevena is a safe haven for teenage girls who have become victims of sexual abuse.

The absence of a proper place to house these children has been greatly felt. At present, these victimised girls are sent to detention homes where children in conflict with law are kept, but this is not an ideal surrounding for them to live in. These places have no facilities to refer them to hospitals or even provide guardians to take care of their legal remedies. These unfortunate girls need counselling, a safe place to live, medical care and an environment suitable for their rehabilitation. They find all these at Ma Sevena.

For Nadine and Delaine, this is an ideal opportunity to use their talents for the benefit of other youngsters whose circumstances have not been as favourable as theirs. Nadine is due to perform Celine Dion's hit song "It's all coming back to me now" and is bound to do it justice.

Shanil, Chrishantha and Mevan all have solid musical backgrounds. As past members of the St. Joseph's College Choir, they've learnt the fine art of music. Shanil is a part of "Debators Inc." a band which will perform "Somebody to Love", "The Show must Go on" and Bonjovi's "Always". Mevan will perform "Wonder of You" and "Always on my Mind". The thirty-something organising committee are all enthusiastic about 'Ma Sevena', their cause. "These are children who are all around our age yet they are so far from the security and contentment that we take for granted. It's our only way of giving hope for the future for children who know nothing but pain."

This is also incidentally the very first "big" project undertaken by the Interact Club of the British School in Colombo. According to Maheshika de Alwis, the Co-Producer from the British School, it has been a wonderful experience. Shalindra Weeratunge, the co-producer from St. Joseph's College echoes her sentiments.

The event is sponsored by Elephant House, Sampath Bank and Lady Lace Fashions. The Sunday Times and Yes FM provide the Media Sponsorship.

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