ERIN’S GLORY: BRINGING 125 YEARS OF LEGACY TO THE STAGE

The Drama Society of St. Bridget’s Convent, Colombo 07, is taking the stage this October with Erin’s Glory, a special theatrical production marking the school’s 125th jubilee. Drawing inspiration from Irish heritage, folklore, music and dance, the production brings together three plays and a range of performances in a celebration of the cultural traditions that have shaped the school’s identity. Bringing this vision to life is a team of approximately 100 students who have spent the past three months preparing for the production under the direction and guidance of Ms. Malinthi Perera. With storytelling, choreography, and technical elements coming together on one stage, Erin’s Glory reflects the creativity and collaboration behind a milestone celebration. Ahead of its performances on 23rd and 24th October at the St. Bridget’s Convent Auditorium, we speak to the minds behind the production about the vision, challenges, and craftsmanship involved in bringing this special jubilee production to life.

SHAVINI PATHIRANA, CO-PRESIDENT OF DRAMA SOCIETY OF ST. BRIDGET’S CONVENT.

Erin’s Glory brings together Irish heritage, the legacy of St. Bridget, and the school’s 125th anniversary. How did you translate the school’s 125-year legacy and its Irish heritage into a theatrical production that feels both meaningful and engaging for today’s audience?

Erin's Glory was created as a part of our school's 125-year Jubilee celebration. The production is a celebration of both our school's 125-year journey and the Irish heritage associated with our patron saint, Saint Bridget. Through this production, we want to honour Saint Bridget in a way that would resonate with today's audience. Through theatre, dance, and music, we brought out elements of Irish culture to create something entertaining and meaningful. Ultimately, we want to celebrate the history, creativity, and unity of the Bridgettine community that carries the legacy forward.

With three plays, alongside music and dance, how did you establish a common visual and theatrical identity for the production while allowing each piece to retain its individual character?

The main consideration was finding a balance between unity and individuality. Although the plays and dances have their own distinct identities, we wanted the entire production to feel like one celebration rather than separate performances. We approached this by maintaining a consistent overall presentation while allowing each piece to express its own emotion and personality through its performances. The music and dance also contribute to bringing the different sections together, creating a production that feels connected while allowing each performance to stand out in its own way.

What were the key considerations behind the production’s set, costumes, props, lighting, and sound, and how do these elements work together to establish the atmosphere of each performance?

Every element was considered according to how it would support our storytelling. The set, costumes, props, lighting, and sound were all carefully planned to bring each performance to life. The set and props helped establish the world of each performance, while the costumes brought out each character's individual identity. Lighting and sound were equally important in bringing the performances to life by highlighting important moments and supporting transitions between different emotions. With so many elements working together, coordination was essential. Our aim was to make all the technical aspects complement the performances, allowing our audience to become fully immersed in each performance.

With three plays sharing one stage, how have you approached scene transitions and changes in atmosphere to maintain the momentum of the evening without disrupting the audience’s engagement?

With three plays sharing the same stage, transitions required meticulous planning and coordination. We had to consider many elements to maintain the energy of the production throughout the evening. Our objective was to make all the transitions as smooth and efficient as possible, with the backstage crew, actors, and dancers working together to ensure that each performance flowed naturally into the next.

SAMARAH ISHAQ, CO-PRESIDENT OF DRAMA SOCIETY OF ST. BRIDGET’S CONVENT

How has the choreography been designed to compliment the narrative, sustain the production’s momentum, and create a seamless transition between the theatrical, musical, and dance elements?

The choreography in Erin’s Glory is central to its storytelling. Each of the dances deepens the narrative, blending traditional Irish influences with contemporary movement to create energy, emotion, and cultural resonance. Carefully crafted transitions sustain the production’s momentum, allowing theatre, music, and dance to flow seamlessly together. Together, they create a cohesive and memorable celebration of storytelling and St. Bridget’s Convent’s 125th anniversary.

SHAYANA HETTIWATTA, COMMITTEE MEMBER OF DRAMA SOCIETY OF ST. BRIDGET’S CONVENT

With approximately 100 students involved, what has been the biggest technical and logistical challenge in bringing Erin’s Glory to the stage?

With so many students taking part in this year's production, the greatest conflict we faced was coordinating every single one of them. Each performer had to play different roles and responsibilities, so vital in order for us to put on a truly unforgettable show. Whether it's rehearsals, costumes, lights, props, and other technical necessities, clear and effective communication was of major importance. As the big day lingered closer and closer, we realized the significant necessity of teamwork and dedication. While we encountered many problems during the long weeks of preparation, we were able to push through with undying resilience and a promise to narrate a truly remarkable story of our alma mater, Erin's Glory.

LISENYA DEWATHANTHRIARACHCHI, SECRETARY OF DRAMA SOCIETY OF ST. BRIDGET’S CONVENT

When the audience leaves Erin’s Glory, what do you hope the combined effect of the performances, visual design, music, and choreography will communicate about the heritage the school is celebrating?

We genuinely hope that the story of the legacy of our school will resonate with every person in the audience. We want this production to not only be memorable but meaningful, as we celebrate this important milestone. That we make all Bridgetines, past and present proud of the journey of the past 125 years and that we inspire our future change makers to take initiative to work towards the glory of our God and Alma Mater, today