‘Fruitcake’ presented by Methodist College and directed by Ruvin de Silva will be held on the 29th and 30th of May at the British auditorium. The play is based on Methodist College’s winning performance at Drama Comp last year, but with greater freedom to twist their ideas into viable story options, the cast helmed by Ruvin have transformed their melding of individual journeys into a new, thoughtful piece. All the characters were created by the girls themselves, pulling motives and stories out of their own lives or the lives of the young girls around them – each character embodies an issue that plagues teenagers of today – from insidious body image insecurities to loneliness and feelings of worthlessness.

The play looks to be a poignant, stimulating experience. Tickets are available at Methodist College.

Speaking to a few of the cast members...

Surami

“Some characters go through a lot of pain to portray their characters. My character came from me. I am my character. She came from the same experiences that I've been through. This also helped me to get over my problems; it showed me that the way I actually thought was not true. It showed me an entirely different side to what I was thinking. It helped me to stay strong and proud of myself no matter what anyone else says.”

Aisha

“I would like the audience to understand that no one is as they seem. There’s so much more than what meets the eye and if people get that, I think it'll be worth all the practice and work put into this”

Shekinah

“I think Surami’s scene is very powerful and real. A lot of people will be able to relate to that. Everyone is very committed, it’s like we’ve known each other for a very long time. It’s really awesome hanging out with them.”

Shamika

“I would like the audience to leave the play not with a conclusive solution about an issue but rather be provoked to think about it. Think about where they stand in such situations. Are they the victim? The offender? Or the by stander? Of these three options where do they place? My character came from me, I realized this is an issue that many teenagers are facing and they need to know that they’re not the only ones facing it.”

Tashyana

“There are so many things that an audience member can take back from the play. I can probably give you an idea but the beauty of it is that you truly have to see it to believe it.”

Sanjeeda

“I would like the audience to take away a whole load of uneasiness in their hearts. Guilt for what they do and what they stand by and watch happen. It’s been one of the most life changing experiences I have witnessed.”

Hashruthi

“This play was made up with true stories. I would like the audience to understand that there are issues going around the world just like this and I want them to think about it.”

Miriam

“The response when we did the earlier version of the play was inspiring. I want it to make an impact on people. People have cried and girls from the cast itself have talked about how these characters have made an impression on them and that’s when I realized this play has the potential to do something. What I would want the audience to take away from this play is very simple though – I would just like people to me more interested and less ignorant of problems. That is all.”

Pomodya

“I think we should give them (the audience) something to think about. Most of these issues, we already know about them but we still don’t think enough about them. The process has been really fun!”

By Marissa van Eyck
Photographs of rehearsals by Sanjaya Mendis