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Narnia

Oct 28 2013.

Cast Members of the S. Thomas’ College Production speak on their adventure sojourning in the land of perpetual magic

The boys from S. Thomas’ College together with Director Vinodh Senadheera are working on what they believe will be one of the finest productions the school has staged. “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” from the Narnian chronicles is a story that barely lost its charm over the years, and continues to amaze readers, old and new alike. Bringing the magic alive on stage is something the school has done before, half a decade ago, but this time around, the tireless effort and spanking effects are set to make the audience leave the Lionel Wendt with a touch of magic in their souls.

A cast of over sixty students are gearing up in full swing to give nothing short of their best shot on stage on the 7^th, 8^th, 9^th and 10^th of November. Part of the cast spoke in an exclusive interview to us this week, about why this production and their respective roles are distinct and how their roles relate on a personal note. Here’s an up and close look at the personalities behind the familiar characters from the story.

“The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” presented by the Drama Society of S. Thomas’ College will go on boards on the 7^th, 8^th, 9^th & 10^th of November at the Lionel Wendt starting at 7. 30 p.m. Box plan now available at the Wendt, BARS café and the College gym

Jodash Serasinghe playing the White Witch

“Playing the lead villainess, it’s nice to get an opportunity to portray something evil, since I’ve been the ‘nice guy’ in most of the past productions! Being a strong and cunning leader, the role of the witch has different facets, evil yet admirable.

It’s also tricky that way. Although I’ve acted previously, this is the first time I’ll be stepping into the soles of a woman. What I find most demanding are the supposedly ‘little’ things: the delicate movements like sitting (with legs together!), moving about in a dress – a flowy one at that, trying to control the voice and so on.

That said, it is very interesting to be doing something unusual, to be well out of the bounds of comfort zone by taking on the role of a woman. Also, working with such a big cast has opened up doors for diverse ideas, talent, energy and of course bonding & fun.”

Anushka Samarasinghe playing Peter

“Peter is the elder brother, in other words the nucleus of the family. There are alternate characters playing roles of the siblings on different days, and on all four days the family has to look like a family. To get this chemistry going with two casts is quite the challenge. A lot of work, then, has to go into creating this bond that looks real on stage.”

Anushka is also the current president of the Drama Society, and played Lucy during the play’s first run back in 2006. “What we are bent on giving is a memorable show, and that takes a lot of work.

Organizing has been rather challenging, given that aspects of production are handled by students. However it is important o keep production work aside when on stage.”

Kathesh Handy playing Azlan

“This would be my first time being part of a big production and it’s great to have a public audience. Performing as an animal as well as a being who doesn’t have an image is very challenging, but a unique experience nonetheless. The second half will have a memorable performance and that’s something to look forward to.”

Niran de Mel playing Edmund

“This role being the one of a betrayer, it essentially revolves around qualities like arrogance, rebellion and power-hunger. But this is also a role depicts the two sides in any human being: as soon as he realises that family is supremely important, Edmund turns back.

Playing a double edged role is interesting as much as challenging. Being a senior and getting involved in the organizing aspect has been wonderful as well.”

Asanga Ranasinghe playing Maugrim

“Maugrim is the most loyal servant to the White Witch and in her unrivalled power, he finds himself to be arrogant and headstrong. I have never played an animal before and this has entailed the challenges of constantly being in character on a whole new level.”

Jonathan Edward playing Mr. Tumnus

“Never played an animal before, and better yet, an animal that walks on his toes for the entirety of the play! It’s thrilling to play a good guy who is forced to be bad.”