Drama competition

Panasonic StageStruck 2005 will bring together several colleges in the UAE on February 24-25

The stage is set for Panasonic StageStruck 2005, a drama competition organised by Rangmanch Theatre Academy, Dubai, and the American College of Dubai (ACD).

Five colleges and two schools from the UAE will participate in the two-day event beginning on February 24. They will present plays of 20 to 30 minutes duration.

The drama contest, now in its second year, will have adaptations of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, Molliere’s Sganarelle and Bengali playwright Sri Sisir Kumar Das’s Khela. A few lesser-known plays and fresh scripts will also be presented.

Preparations for the contest have been underway for two months. Rangmanch and ACD organised theatre workshops by well-known stage personalities for the benefit of participants.

“The purpose of a theatre workshop is not providing professional training but to introduce to the students as many aspects of drama as possible, so that they experience the diversity and excitement of theatre,” said Susan Sharif of Rangmanch.

“It is also to encourage them to develop a love of theatre which is necessary for the successful production of a play at any level - be it high school, college, community theatre or professional.”

“Theatre is a vital mode of communication and StageStruck aims to popularise and promote this art among the youth of Dubai,” said Mona Sharma of ACD.

Started by Rangmanch, StageStruck has two main objectives: to provide a platform for UAE students to display their histrionic talent, and thus to tap hidden young talent.

“The deserving individuals will be provided further training and will also get opportunities to perform locally with reputed theatre groups. This will go a long way towards enhancing their skills and may enable them to take up theatre on a professional scale,” said Susan.

The first day’s events will begin with a performance by children from the Special Needs Families Support Group.

A fashion show will be up next. This will showcase the products of the main sponsors - Panasonic, said Sumaira Fatima, head of the Drama Club at ACD.

All the participants will receive certificates and winners will win prizes courtesy Panasonic.