The peculiarly titled ‘Fruitcake’ is an upcoming production by Methodist College directed by Ruvin de Silva. The play takes place in a female psychiatric hospital, revolving around the patients and their daily routines. It deals with contemporary issues that are commonly disregarded or shunned, exploring the trauma the patients have experienced and their individual coping mechanisms. 'Fruitcake' pinpoints, draws on and blows up our insecurities, forcing us to face them out in the open. Devised by the cast and crew, the concerns it addresses are ones mostly faced by youngsters, such as body image issues, sexual violence and the pressure to succeed and especially loneliness.

Methodist College is building a reputation for original and socially conscious theatre, exploring new and innovative ways of expressing what the students themselves feel about social issues and then translating them into art. Ruvin De Silva is an accomplished actor and director in the world of Sri Lankan theatre and film. He is a part of the Mind Adventures Theatre Company and has directed ‘After Class’ as well as being involved in acclaimed productions like ‘Paraya’, ‘Only Soldiers’, ‘Rondo’ and ‘The Traveling Circus’.

The play is an expanded version of Methodist College’s performance (then called 'Desert Places') at Drama Comp last year (organized by Royal College) which won four awards, including best production. For this version some of the stories have been explored further, while some have been laid aside to make way for new characters. The characters are developed by the girls themselves, with the guidance of the director, and are based on their own personal experiences, pressures reported by other children in the school, and research on current social problems.

It is an intriguing concept, going right into the roots of what affects these teenagers. The play does not intend to give any answers, but intends to give a glimpse into much larger social issues and provoke the audience to search their own feelings and experiences for their individual responses.

When: 28th and 29th of May
Where: British School Auditorium
Time: 7.30 pm
Tickets: 500, 750, 1000, 1500, available at Methodist College

By Marissa van Eyck