Breaking free

By Chamintha Thilakarathna

A class full of children, poorly fed and badly looked after struggling to break away from their restrictive school which has been their home for years, sets the scene for the pop musical, Smike. This production presented by students of Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya goes on the boards next week.

The pop musical freely adapted from Charles Dickens' 'Nicholas Nickleby', is typical of the author. Like in many of his other works Dickens deals here with the issue of poverty and mal-administration in 19th century England during the industrial revolution.

The play has not been staged more than twice in the last decade and has been specifically selected in keeping with the young cast's familiarity with the school atmosphere. The timeless music, running the gamut from jazz and rock 'n' roll, to pop, and even ballads adds to the liveliness of the play.

The story revolves around four main characters. Those of the head master, played by Samadara Wijetunga, Mrs. Squeer played by Trevina Abeysundara, Nicholas Nickleby acted by Sheharana Moulana, and Smike by Marisa de Silva.

The young and mischievious students of the school are never upto any good. At every given opportunity they are involved in yet another act of mischief which angers the school head master.

These entertaining acts of the students are what makes Smike a compelling experience. The students are also instrumental in the marriage of Nicholas Nickleby, their head master. No, we will not reveal more, but suffice to say the end has many surprises.

According to teachers in charge, it is the enthusiasm of the students and the professionalism of the director and co-workers that has made it possible for the production to be completed in a short period of time.

Smike directed by Jerome de Silva with music by Soundari David will be staged on March 25, 26 and 27 at the Lionel Wendt theatre. Tickets will be available at the school office and are priced at Rs. 250, 200, 150 and 100.

Fashion

Anoushka de Almeida our cover girl this week is based in London. On a short visit to Sri Lanka recently, Anoushka posed for the Mirror Magazine. Her hair and make-up were by Cheryl from Ramani Fernando Salons and she was photographed by Mettasena

Keeping the Vintage alive

The Vintage Motor Show '99 organised by the Vintage Car Owners' Club, in collaboration with the Hotel Lanka Oberoi and Crescat Developments was a rare treat. The cars were exhibited in the Atrium Lobby of the Oberoi. Unlike the two successful VCOC shows earlier in 1992 and 1995 under 'takarang' sheds, this time the vehicles were in five star and well lit surroundings.

Some cars have regularly been seen at VCOC rallies and others have emerged from a long spell of hibernation after restoration by their new owners. Among these were the Hupmobile E-89; Ford Tourer X-3863; MG 'M' U-1654; MG 'PA' Z-6726; Fiat Tippo U-1618; Willys Overland F-593 and Peugeot B-533. The enthusiasts of yore Vere de Mel and Lal Rodrigo would have been smiling in heaven to see their favourite Hupmobile, Ford and Peugeot come back to life after years of neglect. The other car always in good shape that made a rare appearance was the valuable David Peiris' Ford Model T C-1308. The beautiful 'Akuressa' Chrysler Q-567 appeared after the death of Berty Samarasinghe in 1993.

The elevated area of the Atrium Lobby had 16 cars -three models of the MG 'M', 'PA', 'TC' next to each other probably talking of Abingdon days. The 3 Standards Flying 8 tourer, Covenir 9's were placed in a corner probably reminiscing of Coventry days. The Austin 7's of 2 cute 'Chummies', Saloon and Super Seven were also together. In between were the Ford Jeep, Peugeot, Fiat Tippo, Fiat Balilla, Morris Minor and Paltney.

At the lower level were the Mercedes Benz 230 Limousine, Riley Lynx, Chrysler, Graham Paige, Chevrolet, two Morris Cowleys, a Bullnose and Flatnose with the 'mother in law' seat, Willys Overland, Ford Tourer, Ford Model T, SS 1, Austin 8 tourer, hupmobile, Austin 12/4 and the mighty Rolls Royce.

At the entrance to the Oberoi were the Mecedes Benz 170 V, Morris 25/6, Hillman Minx, Chevrolet of Turf Club robbery fame, Austin 7's Ruby, Nippy and Tourer.

In the Crescat compound were the Albion lorry, Chevrolet bus and the two ex-BCC Robeye steam driven lorries now with the Sri Lanka Railways one with the long swivelling trailer. The Commer lorry was a notable absentee undergoing restoration.

About 15 beautiful Motor Cycles- Indian Scouts, Triumphs, BSA's, DKW and a Douglas Dragonfly were all well placed in the centre of the Crescat shopping area.

Also displayed were model cars, information on the history and development of cars and the rare auto badges collection of Merril Kannangara.

The VCOC must be congratulated for their efforts in keeping the vintage movement alive. Judging by the comments of some foreigners in the VCOC Visitors Book the show came upto international standards.

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