Ladies’ College looks back on 125 years through dance drama
Students rehearse a dance sequence
‘Penmaiyai Pottruvom’ – the first of five productions presented by Ladies’ College in 2025 in celebration of the school’s 125th anniversary will take the stage on March 29. ‘Penmaiyai Pottruvom’ (In praise of womanhood) highlights the inspiring power of women and the school’s principals past and present.
The play focuses on women and their “compassion, independence, and resilience” and their power to stand tall in the face of misfortune – highlighting that a woman can “uplift and inspire”.
Ladies’ College Principal Mrs. Deepika Dassenaike explains the concept of the production. “This encourages us and makes us aware of our responsibilities as women to serve. A girl is a gift. Ladies’ College is a gift to a Ladies’ College girl, so that she can be an empowered gift to society.”
‘Penmaiyai Pottruvom’ was written by the students as part of the school’s celebrations and is choreographed by Deshabandu Bawani Kugapriya. Over 100 students from grades 5 to 14, aged 9 to 19, will take part in this production overseen by Mrs. K. Devasuthan, teacher-in-charge of the Tamil Literary Society.
“It is the first time that we are capturing the history of Ladies’ College (from 1900 to 2025) in a Tamil dance drama,” says Mrs. Devasuthan. The production incorporates traditional Tamil folk dance rituals – Koothu or Therukoothu (an ancient art form of bringing to life stories from the epics through dance and song).
The main roles of Queen Rani Velu Nachiyar of Sivaganga – the first Indian queen to fight for freedom from the British, are played by Jenaya Jeevakumaran, Mother Theresa played by Nelwina Nickson, Minister to the Queen played by Brithiyangara Vadivel Suresh, a British colonel played by Abishini Thanaraj and the Narrator played by Kirubashini Bharaneeswaran.
The orchestra includes not only traditional instruments, but also western instruments. The students made their own props while sourcing some from Jaffna as well.
‘Penmaiyai Pottruvom’ will go on the boards at the Ladies’ College Hall on Saturday, March 29 at 6 p.m. Tickets priced at Rs. 2500, 2000 and 1500 and
Rs.1000 (balcony – only for ladies) are available at Ladies’ College Colombo 7, at 66, Sir Ernest De Silva Mawatha.
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