Shakespeare deconstructed -Inter-school Shakespeare Drama competition 2010

Author: Ishara Jayawardane
Date:06/10/2010
Source: Daily News

It was quite unique: musical at the start, very modern; much dancing with interesting costumes. Shylock was portrayed very much the villain, ruthless and unreasonable. Antonio’s supporters; the small actresses were very vocal in their outrage. That’s how Ave Maria Convent, Negombo, the first up, carried on with Merchant of Venice

“I feel very glad about my performance. The cast were there to support me all throughout. And I thank my teacher Anoma Fernando and our director A Ismail, and the rest who supported us. All I can say is that I am happy I could do something they all expected of me,” said Niroshi Perera who played Shylock.

“They did what they had been taught. We did it in two weeks. For the semi finals we completed it in one week. Our thanks goes to principal Rev Sister Francine Muthugala,” added Anoma Fernando.

S. Thomas’ College’s The Comedy of Errors

Newstead Girls College Negombo emerged winners in the Girls Inter-school Shakespeare Drama competition 2010, held on October 3. The girls performed the Merchant of Venice and were adjudged winners unanimously by the panel of judges.

Ladies College, Colombo, (Macbeth) were selected runners up while Ave Maria Convent (Merchant of Venice) was placed second runner up, and Hillwood College Kandy (Macbeth) placed third runner up.

“I am so happy. It was a great effort. We finished it within a month and practiced it day and night,” said Newstead College teacher Hansini Wijesoma.

Maris Stella College’s The Comedy of Errors

Hillwood College’s Macbeth set off a festive atmosphere with the scene of Macbeth’s terror at the sight of Banquo’s ghost. The witches were very convincing in a foreboding way which is commendable. Lady Macbeth looked very regal and there was a malevolent and malignant aspect in her portrayal. It was very interesting, their portrayal of Lady Macbeth’s descent into madness. The interludes between the scenes were perhaps too long. Also the slow motion battle scene between Macbeth and Macduff was carried out well.

Trinity College’s The Tempest

Ave Maria’s Merchant of Venice

“It is set in a Japanese setting. And it is all completely Japanese and there is a lot of shadow play. We have worked really hard and they put all they got into it,” said Ladies College teacher Suvendrini Gnanaskandan.

Newstead College’s Merchant of Venice started with a scene involving Portia and Nerisssa. Good costumes. A tasteful performance. The Dialogue stood out here.

Newstead Girls’ College, Negombo, in a triumphant mood winning accolade for their performance in Merchant of Venice. Pictures by Ruwan de Silva and Lakshan Ferdinando

The two presentations of Merchant of Venice were very different from each other. It was such a privilege to see such a fine performances. Newstead College’s presentation was well paced, but the courtroom scene was slightly odd. Portia was so lacking in mercy. We liked the ending when Shylock didn’t quite agree to become a Christian. The Comedy of Errors by Maris Stella saw a production with very nice costumes, a very energetic performance and extremely humorous. The crowd appreciated this memorable performance. It was a well coordinated effort.

“It’s harder than normal stage acting because you have to play two roles.” said Daminda Wijayaratne who played Dromio of Ephesus and Dromio of Syracuse in Comedy of Errors.

“We put in a lot of hard work and the boys sacrificed so many things; their classes and everything. They did well. I’m very proud of our director Delon Weerasinghe. I think our boys did very well and the Principal Brother Mervyn Perera helped us immensely,” said teacher Nirmala Wijadasa.

Awards

* Best Supporting Actress (Outstation) - Kisali Mirando of Newstead Girls College, Negombo * Best Actress (Outstation) - Niroshi Perera of Ave Maria Convent, Negombo * Best Supporting Actress - Kisali Mirando of Newstead Girls College, Negombo * Best Actress - Niroshi Perera of Ave Maria Convent, Negombo * Best Supporting Actor (Outstation) - B Premawardena of Trinity College, Kandy * Best Actor (Outstation) - Daminda Wijayaratne and Mirantha Jayathilaka of Maris Stella College, Negombo * Best Supporting Actor - B Premawardena of Trinity College, Kandy * Best Actor - Daminda Wijayaratne and Mirantha Jayathilaka of Maris Stella College, Negombo

S. Thomas College, Mount Lavinia, (Comedy of Errors) emerged runners up with Wesley College (Merchant of Venice) becoming second runner up and Trinity College (The Tempest) coming third place.

“It was good and I did my job.” said Mirantha Jayathilaka who played Antipholus of Ephesus and Antipholus of Syracuse.

The Comedy of Errors by S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, was an exceptional performance. It was a very colorful presentation of bustling city life. There was an excellent use of jazz music in very urban surroundings.

The Tempest by Trinity was also another good play with the storm being portrayed.

The dialogue was well practiced, smoothly carried out, very articulate and commendable.

Wesley College’s production Merchant of Venice is done in 21st century Night Club surroundings. There was also the rock and hard metal music with the small actors being intoxicated by drink.