Staged on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of February at the British School of Colombo, After Class, a Mind Adventures Theatre Co. Production, was perhaps one of the best theatre productions I’ve seen of late, with a stellar cast and captivating script, the play kept those in the audience transfixed as it unfolded. 

 

The story written by Jithendra Seneviratne's, follows Suraya played by Eshara Silva, a young champion swimmer who has lived her whole life living up to people’s expectations of her but whose thoughts and ideals are now being challenged by the free thinking spirit of Dorian played by Brandon Ingram, a reclusive poet who believes an individual’s voice is greater than the expectations of the collective.

 

 

 

 

 

We see Suraya trying desperately to stay on top of things as she attempts to juggle all her obligations, all the while a mysterious figure representing a secretive extremist group referred to as Caesars Council offers her membership to join them in their quest for perfection.

 

First by chance, and later through her own will, she strikes up conversation with Dorian, someone she previously labeled a freak of society. Dorian, who refuses to conform for society in anyway challenges Suraya’s way of thinking and tries to show her the error in her ways through a novel he is writing. The novel introduces the audience to another plot which we see running parallel to Dorian and Suraya’s story. 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Set in a South American country, going through a revolution during the 60’s, we meet Nadia, played by Thanuja Jayawardena. An intelligent, ambitious woman whose father Villa, Played by Gehan Blok, is a powerful figure in the new regime.

 

Nadia is heavily influenced by her father’s thinking but at the same time is carrying on a secret affair with Gabriel, a writer trying to topple the government. Gabriel played by Pasan Ranaweera, forces Nadia to rethink her role as a politician and reevaluate her desires. 

 

 

 

 

 

As both Nadia and Suraya face the pressures forced upon them, we watch as they questions their very roles in society and the choices they have to make, all of which lead to a climatic ending that left audience members wondering about their own choices.

 

 

 

 

 

Director Ruvin De Silva should be praised for his ingenuity, the overall theme of After Class was to question the dangers of conformism and ethics and I think the cast and crew did an excellent job exploring this through the story.

 

The characters were portrayed brilliantly without the over exaggeration I’ve come to expect from most productions, with the most notable performances by Brandon Ingram and Thanuja Jayawardene. This play was the first production I’ve seen this year and I’m glad I did. The bar has certainly been raised. 

 

 

Audience comments

 

 

Linda: I thought it was interesting and definitely impressive for an original script. I also think Brandon Ingram was fantastic as Dorian. 

 

Arthi: I think the story was very relevant to today. As for the acting, I think Thanuja was amazing and so was Brandon Ingram 

 

Michael: it was a good performance. The story was very thought provoking. Good job!

 

Srina: I loved it! Thought they did an excellent job with the play. I really enjoyed Thanuja’s performance. 

 

Prasad: I thought it was really well done. The acting was good and the story was very interesting.