The dawn of a new repertoire company has emerged at Hwa Chong. This daring, and may I say eclectic group of Sec 1P4 boys transformed a simple classroom into a breathtaking landscape that made Slumdog Millionaire look like a child's production. The adaptation of Village By the Sea was at times daring yet sublime, extravagant yet subdued: this multi-faceted production captured the essence of the novel and brought it to the stage in ways that left this reviewer searching for words.
How a group of Sec 1 boys, or perhaps classically trained stage actors would be the more apt description, transformed a simple classroom into the slums of India and eventually the mean streets of Bombay still boggles the mind. The props were magical and this reviewer could taste the sea salt when the ocean storms struck and was transported to Bombay inhaling the heady mixture of cardoman, cinnamon and joss sticks.
Just as realistic was watching the lead not assume the role of Hari, but inhabit the role where at times it seemed the young man was actually speaking Tamil! Forget Pacino, Brando and DiCaprio, there's a new talent on the horizon and he deserves to be watched. Intently!
Vangelis, one of the most respected artists who scored such hits as BladeRunner, would have been moved by the musical score that pervaded the entire production and carried it at times from whimsical, to threatening, to hypnotic but never intrusively. Word on the street is that Andrew Lloyd Weber is interested in this brash, young talent.
Narration has often been the bane of stage and screen productions. Not this time. The narrator moved the story along effortlessly until he literally disappeared and audience members were engrossed in the cutting and incisive dialogue.
The three-camera filming that took place during the production can mean only one thing: there will be a screen adaptation. And with three cameras, it could be slated for Imax. Let me just say that after witnessing this production, I don't think a five-story screen will provide a large enough backdrop to encompass what these young men have accomplished.
Hats off, bravo, encore and just one word of warning--look out Slumdog Millionaire, there's a new academy award production worthy of Best Picture in 2010.
7 comments:
Wow Mr. S. I did not know we had such talent! Thank you for your kind encouragement. We would be sure to do a better play next time!
Thanks for your encouragement. I did not know that we are that good.
Thanks for the compliments. This is our first time putting a drama together as a class and did not know we were good. Maybe next time talk about Nixon acting as Lila. That was funny!:) 8-)
Sometimes, one just can't see the talent of young people. Well, Mr Spelmer, is definitely an exception. Minds are like parachutes, they need to be open to function. I wonder what the director of "Slumdog Millionaire" will say when he sees this post.
Haha, didh't know that we are so good in acting.The characters are just nice too!Thank you for your support Mr.S. Hope there will be another chance in acting!
Mr. S. Thanks for the encouragement. I am very happy that the efforts put in are being recognise. Once again, thank you!!
Hi! Joyce just shared with me the wonderful thing that's happening in your class and how we are so envious of you blog's popularity. I could hardly wring two sentences out of my students on my wikispace. Love the review and I would defnitely reserve front row seats for you and your wife at the English Drama Club production! :)
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