Jehan’s CentreStage gives platform to young talent
View(s):- The amateur theatre troupe marks 22 years
Veteran dramatist Jehan Aloysius and his amateur theatre troupe, CentreStage Productions celebrated their 22 years in theatre with a new youth project to promote creative expression among young people.
Titled ‘CentreStage Spotlight’, it was part of the youth mentorship programme spearheaded by Jehan with youth volunteers to promote creative expression and performance skills among young people, to foster new talent.
Held at the O2 Cafe, Bambalapitiya, the free event saw an enthusiastic audience pack every seat of the space for a showcase of short monologues presented by Michelle Alles, Ishini Dabare, Seraan Aponso, Deanne Sandreen, Rajitharan Vijayasekaram, Gehani Silva, and Thesara Wikremasinghe.
Enthusiastic audience and a young performer at the event. Pix by Memorography
The event also featured a selection of songs performed by Dion Nanayakkara, Angelo Gamage and Ishini Dabare. These songs were composed and written by Jehan from his original musical plays, such as the very popular ‘Rag’, back in 2012, as well as upcoming new musicals such as ‘Serendipity’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’.
To prepare for the event, the group of enthusiastic participants was guided in their presentation skills by Jehan at two masterclass workshops held at the Alliance Française earlier in January.
Said Jehan: “We hope to make this a regular project (perhaps once every six months or so) for continuity. We plan to further develop or include those who show potential in our volunteer youth mentoring programme and amateur theatre projects. We are funding this project ourselves and are grateful to the Alliance Française and O2 Café, Bambalapitiya, who were venue partners.”
CentreStage Productions was formed by Jehan in 2001, with the aim of using various theatre techniques to produce and promote original theatre in Sri Lanka. Jehan’s shows have travelled around Sri Lanka as well as overseas since 2001 and represented Sri Lanka at International Theatre Festivals in India, Norway, and Poland.
Their next event for International Women’s Day will feature Jehan’s new musical, ‘Venus United’, which premiered in 2023.
Jehan is also casting these days for new singers, actors, and dancers for a special 20th anniversary edition of ‘Rag – The Musical’ to be staged in July this year. Those interested could audition by sending a WhatsApp to 0772949767 without delay.
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