Night to remember

There was pin drop silence. Everyone looked on with bated breath, as the Grim Reaper slowly glided to the centre of the stage. He lifted his scythe and swung it down in one fluid movement. Then he lit a match and held it up to the kerosene-soaked rope, which ignited. The line of fire ran all the way to the back wall, to write in flames, Thrithva Ranga 2003. And the night began.

Today, Thrithva Ranga, organized by the School Officers' Guild, has blossomed into a rich tradition in Kandy. Although it has a relatively short history when compared to other annual events – in twenty years, it has grown to be regarded as an integral element in the experience of being a Trinitian.

Every year, the school officers present this aesthetic extravaganza to a packed house. Out of the many annual programmes conducted by Trinity's various societies and clubs, Thrithva Ranga is truly unique and appealing. This is not simply due to its lavish scale and the quality of its items, but also due to the fact that it is the very elite of Trinity's student body that takes the stage at this event.

The roots of Thrithva Ranga run back to 1981, when a student group known as the 'Ranga Sabhawa' presented the three best dramas at the Inter-House Drama Competition. However, after the mysterious disappearance of 'Ranga Sabhawa,' the School Officers' Guild (denied all knowledge of the aforementioned group) and valiantly took over the reins of the show. For ten years, from 1982 to 1992, this show was performed under the patronage of the guild.

In 1993, though, the school officers abandoned their behind-the-scenes stand and moved out onto the stage with a drama titled Parivarthanaya, which they themselves had written, produced and directed. This drama was featured alongside the three house dramas, and marked the first active contribution of the School Officers towards the show's entertainment items. In 1994, musical and dance items were also added, and gradually, over the years, Thrithva Ranga evolved into a show presented exclusively by the School Officers' Guild.

This event is replete with all the best techniques in sounds, lighting and multimedia technology. Since 2000, in celebration of the Y2K bug not killing us all, the school officers have based Thrithva Ranga upon a unique theme each year.

The themes have been varied and engaging; for instance, last year, on Friday, October 13 – a day laden with extra superstition for good measure – the Guild dared to present a battle between heaven and hell – for better or for worse...

The question remains: Will this year's Guild deliver the best in entertainment, surpassing the others in quality and style?

You may find out, if you're bold enough to do so, on November 16 from 6pm onwards at the Main Auditorium of Trinity College, Kandy when the Trinitians appear on stage to perform as they never have before!