Oct 24 2013.
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Magic is something we’re meant to grow out of – or possibly not. We come into contact with the element of magic at some point in our childhood, and eventually find our faith in it dwindling as we grow, sometimes to the point of nil. For most of us, a memorable experience that made us long for magic to be the norm would be the Chronicles of Narnia, a story that explains to us that some detours do guide us home.
The land of Narnia, with its lasting appeal is being revived by the lads from S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, under the direction of Vinodh Senadheera, who has a long standing involvement in the school’s rich drama record. With about a cast of sixty students aged 12 to 19, who have made time for their passion for stage among a demanding school schedule, everyone is set to breathe life into the magic that is Narnia.
The story of ‘Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe’, is one of those stories, that as one grows up is expected to read and know. However it is also a story, we might want to go back to even when we’re no longer children. The genius that he was, C.S. Lewis’ “children’s” novel is a rare literature that should hold adults and kids gripped alike – for the message it holds to the mature, the children at the heart of the story, for the simplicity of style, for the magic that shadows age.
It remains to day one of the rare novels that have dealt with the perennial theme of the struggle between good and evil, and which of the two prevails. This particular production by STC thus holds its appeal to a mixed audience. Vinodh believes magic is an essential ingredient in life and living: “The idea that good will prevail is something we all need to hold on to, no matter the age.” Intriguing enough, this production is one that attempts to make the magical Narnia as real as possible: the audience will be able to step in to the land themselves and be on trail with the four siblings.
The Drama Society of S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia is one of the oldest drama societies in the country, and is of established repute for turning out some quality productions. To director Vinodh Senadheera, the formula is pretty clear-cut, “the commitment, dedication and level of interest is always more when it comes to school children.”
The school has always given a significant place to drama, and it had gone on to become something more than just an extra-curricular activity. Vinodh said, “This is one of the few schools that stress in inculcating drama, for one thing it’s costly, on the other hand it can be demanding in terms of commitment.” The school has been mostly producing comedies as of late, and to do a magical masterpiece with slightly serious overtones, everyone agrees, is a refreshing change.
Vinodh understands the immensity of the production will prove to be a challenge to tackle – there’s a movie that has set a precedent, and set changes won’t come easy in the transition to a stage play. “While we try to make it visually nice and magical as possible, which is a challenge to recreate on stage, albeit the stage version is different to the movie.” For the first time in local theatre, through computerization Producer Marlon Jesudason is endeavouring to make the experience in the Land of Narnia pristine as much as thrilling, through ‘illusionism’ and that, combined with the fact that it is a renowned school’s production, I think, is very well worth a watch.
Look forward to an up and close look at cast members’ take on their respective roles soon on Life. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe presented by the Drama Society of S. Thomas’ College will go on boards on the 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th of Novemeber at the Lionel Wendt starting at 7. 30 p.m. Box plan now available at the Wendt, BARS café and the College gym.
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