Lyceum wins Shakespearean challenge

The students of Lyceum International School, Nugegoda were finalists in the Shakespearean challenge Sri Lanka 2014 in the drama category conducted by the Shakespeare Centre in Sri Lanka affiliated to the Royal Shakespeare Company GB International Theatre Institute United Nation Volunteers. Their production of the Merchant of Venice, one of Shakespeare's better known comedies captured the story line of the play on its dual platforms, the romantic comedy with its subtly witty dialogue and the searing tragedy with moving lines of rejection and loss.

Lead roles of the Merchant, Antonio, the Jew "Shylock", Bassanio, Portia and the Duke were played by Shenal Melder, Abdul Ashroff, Joel Niles, Natalie Rodrigo and Dulana Premaratne.

Supporting roles were played by Buddhi Ranasinghe, Aiysha Wahab, Sanhulee Gunathilake, Tharitha Murage, Ayescharya Kahandawala, Cadell Cabrall and Raidha Fayaz. The production was directed by Ms. Odile Melder supported by the Theatron staff at Lyceum International School Nugegoda. The accolades awarded to the performance included "Best Supporting Actor - Buddhi Ranasinghe, Best Make - Up and Best Deco. The play was nominated for Best Direction, Best Supporting Actress and Best Play.

The play symbolises that it is only by risking loss that life and love are won. This in essence captured the spirit of this production.