Hillwood College is set to launch its first-ever Festival of English Drama, titled “Twists on the Bard,” organized by the Odyssey Overplay, the college’s English Drama Club.
Scheduled for April 10 at 5 p.m. in the newly inaugurated College Auditorium, this event invites school-goers from across Kandy to celebrate and reinterpret the works of William Shakespeare.
St. Anthony’s college drama team
rehearsing King Lear
As the festival’s title suggests, participants are encouraged to infuse their own artistic expression and unique local flavour into these classic plays, aiming to captivate audiences with fresh takes on time-honoured tales.
“This is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of young talent,” said a representative of Odyssey Overplay. “We’re not only showcasing drama but also nurturing the next generation of dramatists through a series of theatre workshops leading up to the performances.”
The festival will feature productions from various schools in Kandy, which will engage in a battle of wits for the prestigious Rev. Ireland Jones Memorial Trophy, making its debut at the event. This new tradition is intended to revitalize the English drama culture that has been present in Kandy for years but has faced challenges in maintaining continuity. “The festival symbolizes a significant step forward,” the organizer said, adding, “We hope to inspire young dramatists, enrich their creativity, and provide a platform that will invigorate Kandy’s theatre scene.”
The College Auditorium, a state-of-the-art venue completed after two years of construction, will serve as the perfect backdrop for this theatrical showcase. With its modern architecture and excellent acoustics, attendees can expect an exhilarating experience filled with action and artistic zeal.
Interested audiences are encouraged to arrive early, in the spirit of Shakespeare’s wisdom: “better three hours too soon than a minute too late.”
Odyssey Overplay seeks to establish this festival as an annual event that not only honours Shakespeare but also celebrates the wit and wisdom of aspiring dramatists.
A snippet from the Kingswood College rendition of Henry IV pt. 1
Pic: Quadrangle
