Ritanjali Hastir, Associate Editor, 28th May, 2019, Shimla
Hope can be a powerful force. Maybe there’s no actual magic in it, but when you know what you hope for most and hold it like a light within you, you can make things happen, almost like magic. Students of Loreto Convent Tara Hall, proved the same when they staged Mary Poppins during their annual day here today.
Based on the book named Mary Poppins – the first novel in a series of children’s books written by P.L. Travers, published in 1934. The titular character is a sensible English nanny with magical powers, and the work uses mythological allusion and biting social critique to explore the fraught relationship between children and adults.
The Banks Children — Jane, Michael, and the twins, John and Barbara — live at 17 Cherry Tree Lane in London with their parents. When their nanny leaves, her replacement arrives one evening borne on the east wind. Mary Poppins is vain and often irritable, but within her stern exterior lurk all kinds of delightful wonders. She can slide up banisters, float in the air, step into pictures, stick stars on the sky, and talk to animals. Mary takes the Banks children on a series of magical adventures, such as using a magical compass to travel around the world.
However, Mary also firmly believes in good behaviour and disobedience is punished. The children nonetheless adore her. She is not distant and neglectful like their parents, and they find safety within the caring discipline that she brings to their lives. Perhaps most important, her ordered world still allows for exploration and excitement. Notably, when Mary’s birthday coincides with a full moon, the children visit the zoo, and the cages are full of people while the animals wander around looking at them.
The Musical play enacted by the students showcased a variety of magical moments that took the breath away of spectators may that be because of their dance that supported the story to progress and reach its climax or beautiful singing of the Choir.
The highlight of the show was the ending where Mary flies away (as she is lifted by rope which was something new for all).
Everything ranging right from music to costumes to sets or properties was too good to be true to be part of a live performance; which is why the spectators were left awestruck.
Other dance performances like Kangra Dance, Nati and Choir singing also added to the magic of the day. (CLICK TO SEE ALL VIDEOS)
Speaking on the occasion Daisy Thakur, an alumina and Chairperson, H.P. State Commission for Women said, “That it was a wonderful day and great performance.” Focusing on the theme of the play she suggested students to respect their parents and teachers and also listen to them. Whereas for the parents she asked them to make sure that they always listen to their children. They should always have time to lend them their ear when a child wants no matter how busy life gets.
School Principal Sister A. Nirmala thanked God for being kind and appreciated the hard work of the teachers that made the entire show look like a movie without any drags or intervals.
Senior section students too will enact the same play tomorrow for parents to cherish.
