Visual and Performing Arts Uni soon to perform their ‘greatest show’
It’s the tale of a princess going in search of melodies to distant lands, so she can weave them together for a final magical melody- the Secret Symphony- which when played will end the drought plaguing her kingdom for 100 years.
Such is the plot of the grand theatrical extravaganza the University of Visual and Performing Arts (UVPA) is presenting on March 23- where song and dance and music combine with lavish digital effects.
As we walk into the auditorium in the UVPA, it’s hard not to be swept up by the enthusiasm. Some hundred young people are energetically rehearsing; some dance; others act and there is general fun and hilarity echoing against the high ceilings.
For the Vice Chancellor of the UVPA, Prof. Rohana Mahaliyanaarachchi, the show is a pledge – one he made to have a gala that would incorporate and showcase the talents of all three faculties of the campus; Music, Dance and Drama and Visual Arts.
Inspired by Western musicals, the show will also incorporate some stylised elements from Oriental drama, says director Indika Ferdinando.
The well-known thespian and filmmaker said the story will be ‘an allegory or a metaphor’ for our times. Among the symbolic cities the princess takes in her stride are the cities of Education, War and Sleep.
Associate Director Saumya Liyanage says some 70 students will take to the stage while with the crew the entire force is some 120.
Savee Alwis plays the dwarf, one of the key characters who accompanies the princess in her wanderings. Stocky and handsome with a hint of Frodo Baggins he said the main challenge was that the musical is not of the realistic type so he had to study the script earnestly and have long talks with Indika.
The princess is fourth year undergrad Thilini Jayamali, who primarily a drama student had to also sing and dance. She, like everyone else, feels it is a privilege to be part of the glittering evening which is the biggest show, undoubtedly, ever done by the university.
Kolitha Bhanu Dissanayake who handles music with Amila Sandaruwan and Saman Panapitiya, said the musical motifs swirl in from across the world, ‘according to the scenes’.
Director Indika that the biggest challenge was ‘time’ as the cast had to be gathered and most students were distance learning post-COVID-19.
The show has been produced entirely by alumni and the academic staff of the campus, and some alumni are in the cast and crew as well.
Secret Symphony will go on the boards at the Nelum Pokuna theatre on March 23 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available online via esca.lk and mytickets.lk.
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