Eliza, Higgins and Pickering take the stage at BSC auditorium

Poor, young flower seller Eliza sets out on a journey to learn proper English under the stern guidance of Professor Henry Higgins and Colonel Pickering in order to succeed in the 20th century. George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion unfolds Eliza’s tale as she discovers her own strength while Higgins and Pickering attempt to transform her into a lady as result of a bet.

The hijinks of the trio, the humour, the satire and Eliza’s eventual triumph will be portrayed by the students of the British School in Colombo (BSC) for the viewer’s pleasure on the 30th and 31st of March and 1st of April at 7. 00 p.m. at the school auditorium. Directed by the school’s Head of Drama- Mr Shane Meiklejohn and starring Monika Saleh as Eliza Doolittle, Patrick De Kretser as Professor Henry Higgins and Nabeel Nooramith as Colonel Pickering, the play brings to life the talents of the senior students of the school.

Pygmalion is Meiklejohn’s first production with the students of the British School in Colombo, having accepted the position of Head of Drama in August last year. Prior to working in the BSC, he spent several years in Japan at the Yokohoma International School.

Speaking of his decision to begin his career at BSC with Pygmalion, Meiklejohn stated that he wanted to begin with a stage play and that plans are in place for a musical for the following year. However, Pygmalion will be featuring several musical and dancing scenes directed by Shamistha DeSilva.

Under the directions of Meiklejohn, the students have been rehearsing for the play since October, 2016. Having been involved in acting as young children, the students are no strangers to the theatre. Saleh, who portrays the protagonist, stated that one of the biggest challenges for herself lies in the fact that the play is set in the 20th century and having to adjust to the different time period, while Nooramith who portrays Colonel Pickering likened his character to Higgins’ sidekick and asserted that it is an interesting character to portray.

For those who enjoy Shaw’s work, Pygmalion will be a great opportunity to once again immerse themselves in Shaw’s brand of humour and satire. The tickets are now available at the school premises and Meiklejohn and the cast invites interested parties to spend an evening with Eliza, Higgins and Pickering.