Young talent to the fore under veteran duo
Venturing into musical theatre: A rehearsal in progress
Instantly conjuring up a sense of foreboding with its ominous title, the original musical drama ‘When the Clock Strikes and the Wolf Howls’, directed by veteran thespian Jerome L. de Silva, guarantees to keep viewers on the edge of their seats with its suspenseful plot, hatched entirely by the Soul Sounds Players, a collective of students within the Soul Sounds Academy.
The production, presented by Cargills, will hit the stage on April 5 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre.
Two years ago, students from the academy embarked on a musical theatre programme under the tutelage of Jerome, with the idea of a full-fledged production written and crafted by the students taking root. As the students in the group range from seven to 23 years of age, there was no limit to the creativity that emerged during the brainstorming process. The final result is a tapestry of youthful imagination that covers coming-of-age themes and the complexities of adolescence, reflecting universal struggles faced by people of all ages.
As it took shape the plot developed a slightly darker tone, touching on themes of family dynamics and familial expectations. The murky narrative tells the tale of a family – a widowed father of three whose decision to bring in a governess sets the wheels in motion. The story unfolds as the entire family, made up of the 18-year-old firstborn son – deemed the reluctant successor to the family business, his seven-year-old brother who covets the title, and his brilliant musician sister, learns to cope with the hand they’ve been dealt.
All the music for the production has been composed by Soul Sounds founder and director Soundarie David Rodrigo, with the lyrics written by the students themselves. The music incorporates references to classical composers but also includes rap, reflecting the varied tastes and influences of these young minds.
This musical is a testament to the creative energy and collaborative spirit of the students involved, as they have wholeheartedly embraced the responsibilities of putting on such a production, from devising the plot to designing costumes and the set to managing the technical aspects of the show. “The whole journey has been very interesting and the kids are, of course, highly excited. The nicest thing about it is that they themselves got together and are working like a theatre company, so it has been one big team effort,” says Jerome. “Every one of them will come out with the knowledge of how to run a production, and that is what it’s all about.”
At a time when less priority is given to the arts, a production such as this is a profound learning experience for the next generation of theatre practitioners and creators in the country, a number that has decreased, mostly due to the absence of productions during the pandemic. “Sri Lanka has so much talent! We are getting down foreign artists and doing foreign musicals, but I think supporting local talent is important as well, and this is going to be something special,” says Soundarie, who is grateful for the support received from sponsors who have come on board to nurture young talent.
Theatre enthusiasts will get the chance to have a sneak peek of the production at the World Theatre Day commemoration, on March 27 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre at
7.30 p.m. This evening of drama, song, and dance will celebrate theatre with performances by some of Sri Lanka’s leading theatre companies, musicians, and performers.
When the Clock Strikes and the Wolf Howls on April 5 at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, will have two shows – a matinee at 3.30 p.m. and the second at 7.30 p.m. Tickets will be available at the Soul Sounds Academy and the Lionel Wendt Box Office from March 25.
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