Talents on a platform

The students of B Voc Visual Communication and Performing Arts at Jyoti Nivas College (Autonomous) recently presented a grand theatre and dance show, ‘The Debut’.

The first part of the event showcased Shakespeare’s ‘Twelfth Night’, exclusively produced and performed by students. It took two months of intense training under the direction of theatre personality, Krishna Hebbale, to present this impressive show which wowed the audience. Speaking about the hard work and effort put in by the entire team, Alefiyah D, who played the role of Viola, said, “Looking back to where we started from, we have made tremendous strides and all the hard work has finally paid off.”

Uma Prasad, who received a thundering applause for her comic role in the play, said,” I never thought I could play this role. The rehearsals were strenuous but on the whole, the result was overwhelming. I was really happy with the appreciation I received for my role as Malvolio.” Ujali Raj, who played Olivia, says that she was thrilled that the audience enjoyed the play.

The play was followed by a small break during which a street play was performed in the open grounds. The theme of the play revolved around young women and their search for identity in a patriarchal world.

The final event for the day was ‘Meraki’, a dance musical performed by the students and directed by Preeta Pereira. It was a colourful show filled with music, drama and emotion that captured the attention of the audience. Mahalakshmi, who played the lead role in the musical, said, “It was a lot of hard work but I am glad that the audience loved it.” Jyothi Senacha, one of the performers in the musical, said, “It was the first time ever that I performed in a musical. It was an exciting and enriching experience.”

Earlier in the evening, the event started with a formal inauguration with S Surendranath, artistic director, Ranga Shankara, delivering the keynote address and Dr Sr Elizabeth C S, principal, Jyoti Nivas College (Autonomous) delivering a special message.

Fr Saji P Mathew OFM, head of the department, department of communication and media, welcomed the gathering.

Rajesh, an employee with a private firm, who was a part of the audience, said, “The play was performed to perfection. The musical was interesting. It was a great show put up by the students. I loved it.”

On the whole, it was a night to remember for one and all. As Kubra, one of the student performers, said, “It was a good experience and the positive response from the crowd was heartening.”