Kolkata: The students of Central Modern School celebrated William Shakespeare’s birth anniversary on April 24, honouring the “Bard of Avon” whose timeless works continue to inspire readers and performers today. The assembly hall was transformed for the occasion, where red curtains framed the stage and a glorious throne recreated the atmosphere of the old theatres, while chandeliers lined the ceiling.
Students from classes 6 to 12 eagerly took part, showcasing talents both on stage and behind the scenes. The performance opened with Act 5, Scene 2 of ‘Antony and Cleopatra’, conveying power and honour and featuring Sonnet 116 to evoke deep love and fleeting loss. The audience was then gripped by the intense courtroom scene from ‘The Merchant of Venice’ (Act 4, Scene 1), where justice tempered by mercy prevailed amid tragic undertones for Shylock.
The programme culminated in Julius Caesar’s assassination (Act 3, Scene 1) before the Capitol; the iconic “Et tu, Brute?” was delivered flawlessly, prompting spontaneous applause from the enthralled audience. The final act offered a whimsical take on ‘The Tempest’ (Act 4, Scene 1), with fairies entering the stage and transforming the space into a magical realm through a dance to “Once Upon a December.”
The technical crew worked steadily behind the scenes, managing background music and a powerpoint presentation; their efforts were warmly appreciated by both performers and audience. The narrator closed the programme with a heartfelt tribute to the absent storyteller, noting that though he is no longer with us, the emotions he evoked and the phrases he wrote continue to surround and inspire us every day.
Principal Namrata De was all praises for the students and teachers involved with the programme.
