JOSEPHIAN INTER-HOUSE DRAMA COMPETITION ON JAN 15

• Drama improves social skills including “Empathy” and “Emotional articulacy”

The Inter-House Drama Competition of St. Joseph’s College, organised by the English Literary Union in collaboration with the Cold Theatre 7, will be held on January 15 at 5.00 pm at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, Colombo 7. 

 The Chief Guest for the Inter-House Drama Competition will be the popular Veteran actor and Comedian in Sri Lankan Cinema, Stage Drama and television, Mr. Wilson Gunaratne.

 The Inter-House Drama Competition--2022 is held after four years as the much awaited annual event in the school calendar had to be postponed due to many unexpected events such as the Easter Sunday attack and Covid-19 pandemic.

 “The competition that is being held at the Bonjean hall of the College is shifted to the Lionel Wendt theatre this year. This is to give moreexposure to the young theatre lovers of St Joseph’s College,” Niven Nanayakkara, the President of the English Literary Union said.   Children from Grade 6 onwards have joined the competing drama teams of each of the four houses. 

 Directors of the four drama teams are Reihan Stephen, Annette Candappa and Chathuranga Hapuarachchi from Bonjean House, Hashen Ratnayaka, Murthaaz Barry and Tayhani Kannangara from Coudert House, Dulika Jayamanne and Tahsha de Silva from Melizen House and Sulo Perera and Heshal Peiris from Marque House. With a history of being actively involved in English drama, St Joseph’s College became  champions of the 2015 Shakespeare Drama Competition and won the 2019 All Island Best Actor award. 

 Drama is an important tool for preparing our young Josephians to live and work in this world that is increasingly “Team oriented” rather than hierarchical. Promoting theatre and drama, St Joseph’s College provides opportunities to young Josephians to meet the challenges confidently and successfully. Drama promotes many skills such as creativity, communication, problem-solving, accountability, collaboration, perseverance, time management and focus.

 “The College strongly believes drama improves the social skills including “Empathy” and “Emotional articulacy”, broadens perspectives and critical thinking, builds self-confidence and increases risk-taking and encourages teamwork and cooperation,” young Nanayakkara said. 

 Rev. Fr.  Ranjith Andradi, the Rector of St. Joseph’s College thanked Mr. Kevin Cruze, the Director of the Cold Theatre 7, Ms. Sonali Perera, the Teacher-in-Charge and the Co-Directors of respective houses who are instrumental in developing young Josephians as better performers on stage. 

The Inter-House Drama Competition of St. Joseph’s College, organised by the English Literary Union in collaboration with the Cold Theatre 7, will be held on January 15 at 5.00 pm at the Lionel Wendt Theatre, Colombo 7.