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Saturday, 11 October 2014 00:24 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
What is fate? How does it affect our life? Are we mere puppets in its hands? Is our destiny to be governed by it? The answer and exploration of these enigmas were one of the common, if not the most prominent, themes of ancient Greek tragedies.
Greek tragedy is a form of theatre from Ancient Greece and Asia Minor. It reached its most significant form in Athens in the 5th century BC and is an unconventional genre of theatre in Sri Lanka especially in schools. The Tragedy of King Oedipus is foremost among the best examples for this kind of theatre.
Sophocles has spun a brilliant tale of epic insight into the power of chance. In the beginning itself we see the King of Thebes experiencing a time of tragedy. His city is suffering from plague and his brother Creon informs him that the curse will be lifted when the killer of Laius, the former king is found.
Oedipus calls upon the Prophet Teiresias who relays a future of darkness and denial to the king. Oedipus has discovered that this killer may be much closer than he expected. Despite the warnings of Queen Jocasta and the wise Theban Elders Oedipus questions, demands and pursues the truth.
The English Drama Society of S. Thomas’ College will offer audiences the rare opportunity of witnessing this tragedy on the Chapel Steps in the scenic comfort of the Senior Quadrangle. The cast has been practicing since the beginning of August for the play and one would think a group of young boys would be ill fitted to perform such a serious and grand tragedy… That is until one sees them acting.
The young Thomians laugh and joke with each other, sitting on the chapel steps, talking about all the happenings of their age. The clock strikes the beginning of practice. The setting of the production is also a plus. The chapel built in the early 19th century displays all the markings of age and grandeur along with the rest of the buildings.
Though it was built in Victorian times, the chapel with its double pillars on either side portrays a sense of power and mystery, suitable to a play of such dramatic nature. Since the audience will be seated right in front of the steps they will have a prime view of the performance.
These are some of the opinions of the young and vibrant thespians:
“The Shepherd in the Tragedy of King Oedipus is an old man that is said to have been in the service of Oedipus’ father King Laius. As it is one of the roles that bring in the climax of this epic tragedy I’m rather excited to be playing this character!” – Adarsh Nanayakkara, the President of the Dram Society who will take on the role of the Shepherd.
“This production is a chance to experiment with different emotions and styles which will contribute to the moulding of my role of King Oedipus. I am grateful to College and to my fellow actors without whom I wouldn’t be able to pull off such a role” – Kathesh Handy, who will play the role of King Oedipus, the controversial protagonist and King of Thebes.
“It’s very interesting to be able to act on the Chapel Steps which is something I have always wanted to do and although it’s a challenge it’s a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience. I play the role of the messenger. A role like this is new to me because I have never been a ‘good guy’ but it’s nice to be able to play a different kind of role” – Asanga Ranasinha, who will play the role of the Messenger, who reveals unknown and unexpected secrets to the cast and Theban audience.
“Leading the Chorus of Theban elders has been quite the task but I’ve enjoyed every second of it. I know that the audience hasn’t experienced a tragedy of this intensity before and can’t wait for it to pan out” – Lihan Mendis, who will lead the Chorus of Theban elders as they witness every occurrence in the play.
“Jocasta is a very strong character. It’s a challenge having to portray her many emotions in this play but that is what I like about her character. What I feel towards her is a mix of respect and pity. All in all I enjoy playing her part in this play” – Gowrienanthan Balarupan, who will play Oedipus’ wife Jocasta, in his debut performance.
“It’s kind of exciting and challenging at the same time. Playing an old man of dignity and power when you’re so much younger is pretty hard. I like the grandeur of Teiresias and when I get it right, it feels fantastic” – Vikram Parathalingam, who will take on the role of Teiresias, the wisest prophet in the land.
“Being a part of a College production is always refreshing. This one specifically adds an extra sense of urgency and awareness as Greek theatre is new to me. Yet, as always, acting for College will always be a privilege” – Sachi Gamage, who will play the role of the attendant who informs the Theban audience of certain issues within the palace.
“It’s a challenge to be a Theban elder but I feel it’s one of the most important roles of the play as we’re on stage throughout, communicating to the audience about what’s really going on in the country” – Warren White, who will play one of the 12 Theban elders.
The play will be performed on 16, 17, 18 and 19 October at the College Chapel steps from 8 p.m. onwards. Tickets priced at Rs. 800 each can be purchased from the College gymnasium, the cast members and Tickets.lk.
