The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
 

by Rikaza Hassan

I'm standing on the well cut lawn in the grounds of S. Thomas as nearly twenty boys of various ages in costumes, make-ups and swords and heels are either under Vinodh's direction acting out scenes for Sulochana's camera or discussing Blade, enacting Star Wars sword fights, a half-hearted Superman act while someone sings something from the Disney's Lion King.

I've just finished talking to them about their production, their characters, their costumes and their sets; I've seen them get made-up and painted on, I've seen them walk on heels, hold their fluffy tails and dress trains, all the while trying to cope with the intense heat and I am amazed that these intense and powerful actors are nevertheless still school-going boys, only very talented and dedicated.

The S. Thomas' College production, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - the second instalment of the seven instalment Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis - will be going onboard at the college auditorium from May 25 to 29.

Directed by none other than that other famous Thomian, Vinodh Senadeera, it is probably the school's most ambitious production yet. "C. S. Lewis is very difficult," says Vinodh. "Though it is written for children, it is also challenging for adults with Christian analogies as well. It will cater to the whole family unit; it will be magical for the kids and serious for the adults."

With a cast comprising over 120 ranging from 18-year olds to second graders and main characters numbering a big 15, Vinodh most certainly have a lot on his hands. "I've aged by 25 years," he laughs.

More serious he adds, "I've worked with them when small and yes, sometimes they drive me nuts but they're a nice bunch of kids. This is of such magnitude that I cannot handle alone and the committee played a big role. It's not just acing, but involves putting together the entire thing."

"It's fun and quite an experience," says Dilesh Dias, President of the Drama Society and the White Witch in the play, on playing the opposite sex. "It's hard to play a woman's role, but I'm also thankful to be playing one. It's another aspect of drama that I experience." Getting into character according to Dilesh "takes about fifteen minutes before run through, to practise on your own and then it comes naturally to you on stage. If you're not in character it demotivates the rest of the cast."

Shanil Wijesinha who plays Aslan agrees. "I sit by myself, look out the window and think about how I'll feel if I created all that. The egoistic approach is important as the creator of Narnia, to feel the pressure and keep my dignity intact. So I just try to get pompous." Playing an animal (lion) he says takes work.

"The animal movements, the fluidity and grace are all important. And since I stand on my two feet instead of on all fours, I need to act more animal." Shanil draws comparison between Lewis and Tolkien and says the religious analogy of the story helps him understand his character more. "Aslan is like Jesus.

He's very noble and sacrifices himself to save Edmund. I feel very good, to put it in simple terms."

The two 11-year olds playing the character of Lucy alternatively, Dinel Dias and Anushka Samarasinghe look two very pretty and sweet girls. "It's my second time playing a girl. There are different hand movements, the way of walking and my characters emotions are childish and naughty. I was scared at the beginning," says Dinel. Anushka on the other hand complains about the shoes. "I have to wear heels and it's really hard to walk. Still it's a fun role."

The heat is probably their worst enemy. "It's really hot in the costumes and we're just learning to cope with the body paint and stuff," remarks Ranshan Gomez (Peter). "It's the first time we're playing animals and it's tough to manage the large cast."

As for continuing to give their best for five straight nights, "It's difficult to sustain but we believe we can pull it off since most of us have been in past performances." And the magnitude of the production doesn't make them anxious? "The pressure is existent, but we love the challenge."

"The movie," says Milindra Kulugammuna (Mr. Beaver). "influenced the sets a lot and gave us clues to our characters." However Shanil (Aslan) adds, "The characters are what the individual actors make them to be."

The production has thus far cost over a million rupees according to Vinodh Senadeera and each actor found himself a sponsor to fund his costumes and props. The proud owner of one of the most expensive costumes in the production, Dilesh (The White Witch) says, "It took sir (Vinodh Senadeera) around 15 to 20 trips just to find the proper material."

Script written by the drama committee, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe is a musical that will be supported by the powerful voices of the 35-something choir. It is set to bring the magic, the excitement and the wonder of C. S. Lewis' imagination to you.

With the help of cleverly made sets and a few other surprises that I am not allowed to reveal, the cast will take you along on the journey of Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy as they are transported from the bewitched wardrobe to the frozen lands of Narnia.

Together you will meet the evil White Witch, desperate to retain power and forestall a prophecy, you will meet her army commanded by the wolf Maugrim, and you will meet Aslan, the lion that will sacrifice himself to save the children and a terrible battle. And the story goes on...