When ‘Shakes’ cast a spell
Ananda College: Lady Macbeth had the audience in the palm of 'his' hand. Pix by Indika Handuwala
There is undoubtedly something magical in the air on the nights of the annual “Shakes” finals. Whether it is the competitive spirit of the young actors and actresses or the excitement of the audience, it is hard to match. Worked out over two gripping nights, Ladies’ College emerged winners in the Girls’ final on September 27 and it was Ananda College that triumphed in the Boys’ final on September 30.
Organised by the Rotary Club of Colombo North in partnership with the Colombo YMCA, the All Island Inter-School Shakespeare Drama Competition 2023 was spearheaded by Lasika Jayamaha, president of Rotary North, with compere Shehan Perera’s contagious enthusiasm warming up the crowds that filled the Bishop’s College auditorium in support of their schools.
Making their first appearance in the competition’s finals, St. Nicholas International, Negombo, delivered a commendable performance with an entertaining take on scenes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. There was dynamic articulation of dialogue between the love interests and the actress playing Puck captured the character’s mischievous nature with flair.
St. Nicholas International, Negombo: An entertaining Midsummer Night's Dream
Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo, immediately grabbed the audience’s attention with a chilling entrance to Macbeth. Their lighting and choreography was not just visually captivating, but effective in highlighting the emotions of the characters. The “three witches” portrayed as a concept with their repetitive movements, reflected the thoughts of Lady Macbeth, whose performance should be applauded.
Next, Two Gentlemen of Verona, a less well-known Shakespeare play was performed by Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo. Hiruki Nesakya playing Silvia, the daughter of the Duke of Milan, won Best Actress, effectively embodying the determined nature of the character. What especially stood out in this play was the human-prop element, the ensemble coated head to toe in body paint. The scene changes were also cleverly done with the ensemble gracefully shifting around to different positions.
Ending the night with a modern revamp of Taming of the Shrew, was Ladies’ College, Colombo – winners of the Girls’ competition, delivering a brilliant adaptation with protagonist Katherine (“Kate”) a powerful symbol of empowerment. Her actions were highlighted through an ensemble cast, and the opening scene featured abstract choreography that illustrated the power struggle. As the play progressed, the ‘mob’ gradually dispersed, paralleling Kate’s involuntary subservience to her love interest, Petruchio, representing “the Patriarchy”, whose character was executed exceptionally through subtle mannerisms and witty comebacks that had the audience engrossed. The use of live music was to be commended.
St. Thomas’ Catholic International College, Seeduwa: Brewing mischief in Macbeth
Opening the Boys category on Saturday night was D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo, with parallel scenes from Midsummer Night’s Dream. Nuhan Gunasekara, playing a “sassy” rendition of Hermia – the love interest of Lysander carried away the Best Supporting Actor award. The young actor playing the role of Puck should also be commended for delivering such a spirited performance. There was an unexpected little twist in the scene where Puck casts his spell on Demetrius, making him fall in love with Lysander for a split second, which had the audience in peals of laughter. The choreographed movements of the ensemble cast portraying the elements of the forest was noteworthy.
Next up St. Joseph’s College, Colombo, presented scenes from Coriolanus. The curtains opened to an artistic set and haunting chants from the cast that immediately set the tone of the play. Every actor was fully into his role and the protagonist, Coriolanus, portrayed the role with utmost passion. The fight scenes were crafted well and the heated conversations amongst the actors flowed dynamically – surely a performance for the books.
Scenes from Macbeth by St. Thomas’ Catholic International College, Seeduwa, also a new entrant to the finals, followed. The school won the award for Best Stage Craft with the play opening to a striking battle scene crafted in slow motion, the ensemble making good use of the stage. Meyon Fernando’s crafty portrayal of the queen was one of the winners of the Best Actor award.
Ananda College, the final winners in the Boys’ section also enacted scenes from Macbeth, and Haritha Gamage as Macbeth was a joint winner of the Best Actor award for his emotional and enthralling performance. There was a convincing dynamic between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, who I’m certain the audience forgot was a boy playing a woman. The ensemble also did a marvellous job portraying the evil spirits that haunted every scene.
Overall, the schools delivered stellar performances, maintaining the high standard of the competition and keeping the rich ‘Shakes’ tradition alive.
Ladies' College: A modern take on The Taming of the Shrew
Visakha Vidyalaya: A chilling Macbeth
D.S.Senanayake College: A Midsummer Night's Dream with a twist
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