The school has a long history of turning out dramas of quality. The director is one with undisputed experience. Add some spanking new techniques and the formula seems to produce guaranteed results. “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, first of the Narnian chronicles was staged by the drama society of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia over the weekend from the 7^th to 10^th at the Lionel Wendt.

Quite the stir among all Narnian lovers and school-goers in particular, the shows were sold out. To put it simple and sum up the review in a line, they delivered what they promised.

Although the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is one of the better known Narnian chronicles, the play’s plot development was such that it did not take a chance leave matters for audience to figure. Despite the widespread familiarity of the story, the play started at the beginning and ran right through in adherence to the authentic story.

I like that they left nothing to be assumed or guessed for two reasons, first being it would have greatly benefited those who did not know C.S. Lewis’ story. Secondly, I feel the beauty of a legendary story lies in relating the entirety of it, however well known.

The Cast – I can expect to be agreed with when I say it was a very well rehearsed performance. A lot of enthusiasm and commitment seem to have accompanied their effort, as it is the case with school productions always. The whole cast looked their parts, and for a fantasy realm, to imitate the looks of the surreal and animalistic translates into a job very well done by the costume designer and make-up assistants.

I found some members of the lead cast to be aggressive and boisterous in execution when it wasn’t necessary, and the femininity (of those who played female roles) did not necessarily surface well always. Although this discounted on credibility, I recall members of the cast being intent on playing a female role, without embracing womanhood artificially, in which case they are justified. 

A cast of over sixty, and not a single role seemed ill rehearsed – excellently practiced performances! :)

The set and props sure looked costly – regardless of being a school project, the determination to maintain professional standards is commendable. The set wasn’t overly flashy either, but was yet brilliant in its authenticity to sites in the story. For instance the towering bamboo set-up at Mr. Tumnus’ house had me wondering for a good few minutes as to how it came on stage, or came into being in the first place!!

The effect of illusionism where sceneries were projected on to the ceiling of the auditorium was a first-time, and it was hard enough not to constantly look up (instead of ahead) and be thrilled! The snow and the smoke, which I got an up-close view of, being seated in front, were very neatly done. From a production angle, the show was a resounding success.

Verdict – A school’s drama society trying out their hand at professional stage and coming out largely successful is something lovely to witness. The director, Vinodh Senadheera and the production crew, headed by Marlon Jesudason owe credit prior to the hard working students.

Though the play was surely so much more than a school drama, nothing could stop a very young crowd from filling up the auditorium, which in turn meant that a lot of noise and untimely laughter was going on during the play.

Although the show was worthy of mature audience’s appreciation (and there were enough), the need for real appreciation among the majority i.e. school girls and boys, was a downer. Regardless of the mix of crowd, the show was a quality entertainer for everyone, be it through proficiency, the originality of the story, the effects or purely the childishness of a few characters - everyone seemed satisfied.

It is a rather challenging task to undertake to stage a story for which a book and a movie have left a blueprint. To pull off something on stage a movie (with every convenience of set change and post production work) has is a rather daunting task, and perhaps explains the unusual number of blackouts in the show. The challenge was altogether very well accepted and braved.

A welcome, even necessary addition to 2013’s theatre itinerary, the play sure displayed scope for some actors to take to the professional stage after school. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe will be spoken of within and out of the S. Thomas’ College premises for quite a while from now and won’t be forgotten anytime soon by any one part of the production - audience or the cast & crew.             

COMMENTS

It was really good. Excellent performances by all of them. A great play with a lot of talent, and I believe most of them have a great future in this regard. – Jackie

By Nivedha Jeyaseelan