The English department of a college is always particular about pronunciation. But it isn’t until you marvel at the perfect diction of actors on stage, instead of hearing various accents all over the place, that you recognise why the prodding makes such a difference. The Lion and the Jewel written by dramatist Wole Soyinka is set to be staged by the students of Women’s Christian College at their campus auditorium this weekend. The fact that this play also happens to be part of the students’ third year syllabus, has made it an even more viable choice, reveals co-director Annie Kuriachan, assistant professor from the English Department. She smiles broadly, “This is one play, that they (students) are going to remember for life!”
Ahead of their performance, the cast staged their first show for the students to watch on Tuesday and City Express was invited to watch.
The story is set in the backdrop of Ilujinle, a Nigerian village of the Yoruba tribe. Amid a splash of brightly coloured tribal sets and the swish of skirts of the village women, one gets a glimpse into the lives of the central characters. Siddi is the village beauty, headstrong and a tad conceited about her looks. She represents the ‘jewel’ in the play’s title. Wooing her constantly, is Lakunle, a westernised English teacher, who is the butt of many a joke for his non-manliness and finally, the mighty (lion) Baroka, a 62-year-old reigning cheiftain who also seeks Siddi’s hand in marriage. Symbolically, the play represents culture conflicts and one is left to find out whether Siddi chooses the new world or to return to her roots.
“The whole production has been put together by our students, from various departments,” reveals the director. “That’s close to 200 students who came together for three months,” she adds proudly. And the efforts have certainly paid off. Storey-high swivel tower sets make for smooth scene transitions, ‘shoulder shimmies’ add some fun to the choreography and the costumes come together with braided hair (typical of an African tribe) and gypsy beads making for bright accessories. Theatre-goers can look forward to an entertaining balance of comic relief and nasal sarcasm throughout the show. As one can imagine, pulling off male characters has got to be quite a challenge for an all-women cast. But watch out for the youngster who plays the role of the smitten school teacher. Lovestruck and comically endearing, by the end one is actually smitten with him (well, technically her). Smitten either way.
The Lion and the Jewel will be staged from September 27-29 at the WCC auditorium at 6.30pm
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