One of the biggest challenges faced by the youth today is a lack of direction. The image of a teenager playing computer games, surfing the net and hanging out with friends all through summer is more than common. This advantaged lot has access to so much more than our generation did, and diametrically opposite to that are the ever-increasing statistics of aimless teenagers secretly waiting to be pushed into a direction.
I recently spoke with Nargish Khambatta, principal of Gems Modern Academy, and though they are closed for summer, 35 students have been working hard, rehearsing. This is no ordinary rehearsal. These students are set to represent their school and nation at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe — the world’s largest arts festival — making them the only school from the Gulf region to be invited to perform. Written and directed by Dubai-based writer Kevin Oliver, the students will perform the rock opera Shakuntala at The Fringe.
“Directing a rock opera was challenge enough and then to match the script with acting and musical talents. We went through a tough casting process and the final 30 have been literally handpicked,” said Oliver. “Pushing them to open up vocally and train to perform the intricate choreography was no easy feat. But the results are showing in the performance and we can’t wait to take centre stage on August 16”.
In our lives, we are presented with ample opportunities but the trick is to take it on full throttle. “To all the young aspiring performers out there, all I can say is follow your heart and don’t let people talk you out of it,” advised the director.
This rang true for me, as I have always been that little girl who never let go of her dream. We all have our share of hurdles but sometimes the roadblock is just a speed breaker, which needs to be handled with patience and care. Early in my life, I understood that when you dream, the whole world conspires to make your dream come true.
It did for me; it will for you too. Keep dreaming. Keep believing.
