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Senior British School of Bahrain (BSB) student Shruti Ramesh is putting her directing skills to the test as she sets the stage for her take on Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, writes Sara Malek.
The production, which will be held at the school in Hamala, has been entirely directed and cast by the 16-year-old who was inspired by the tale after reading the play during an English class.
Shruti said: “I strongly feel that if you pick something you enjoy, then other people are more likely to as well. “I think the elements that make a good play are communication, co-operation, dedication and the rehearsal process.
“What makes a good story is something that entertains the audience more than anything-else, something that triggers a reaction in them whether that’s a gasp or a laugh.” First performed on 14 February 1895 at the St James’s Theatre in London, it is a farcical comedy in which the protagonists maintain fictitious persona to escape burdensome social obligations.
Shruti said: “I think the story is quite relatable because in my opinion everyone has their own alter-ego, a side of you that no-one-else knows. This production is our take on the storyline and the characters.”
Many of the main cast members, including Kailesh Kinger and Deema Turkomani, have taken part in other school productions and each member has a unique role to play with a specific message to communicate to the audience.
Cast member, Deema Turkomani, said: “It’s the small things that the characters do that make the difference, if they arch their back a little bit to show that they are hurt or change their expressions to show that they are irritated.
The basic things you learn in drama to make an impact are facial expression, body language, tone and voice projection.” The students have been working on the project since September taking full control of rehearsals, designing costumes and selling tickets, all whilst balancing a normal school workload.
The show will be held in the BSB multi-purpose hall on February 2 and 4 at 6pm and on February 3 at 5pm. Tickets priced BD7 are available from the school’s reception
