Young talents from more than a dozen different countries from Brazil to Japan starred in The Little Mermaid, a musical that premiered on Saturday in the theater hall of our Böszörményi úti campus.
“This is already our fourth English-language performance, and we are delighted to have had such a colorful international cast for the premiere. There are quite a few of them who have performed in all four of the plays, but there are also several newcomers. In fact, Aian, who plays the part of Sebastian, has already graduated and decided to come back to Hungary from Brazil just for this part,” said Veronika Végh, Director of oDEon Színház.
Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale was brought to life this time with stunning visuals and unforgettable songs by the international students of the University of Debrecen. The part of Ariel, a mermaid with a wonderful voice, was played by a fresher from Sri Lanka, who already felt at home on stage.
“In the beginning, I was a little bit nervous, but then I started to enjoy the play really much and, judging by the reaction of the audience, I do think it was a very good performance. In Hungary, I have never been on stage in a theatre before but, at home, I have performed as a singer several times. Music is my ultimate passion and it is all I ever want: it is how I can show who I really am. We had relatively little time for rehearsals and, because the songs and the dialogues are rather difficult, it was a real challenge for me. Yet, we have received a lot of help, for which I am really thankful. During my first day at the university, I felt very lonely but, thanks to this troupe, I have made friends since, so I love this theater and the University of Debrecen,” said Shayodya Wathmavi Peiris, aka Shayo, after the premiere.
The part of King Triton was also played by a rookie, and this fifth-year Nigerian medical student became an instant favorite with the audience.
“It was like magic to be in this piece! It was my first time ever on stage, but I am very happy that I took this chance because I could play in a wonderful team and it was an extraordinary experience to perform in front of such a fantastic audience,” said Ebong Udeme Emmanuel, who even gave autographs after the performance.
However, there were also some actors who, despite their joy about the success of the premiere, burst into tears at the end of the play.
“I have been playing in this company for four years and this was my last performance, because I am to leave in September, so I got a little emotional now. The time spent here has been truly fantastic for me. I virtually have a new family, because I regard every member of the troupe as my brother or sister, while Szabolcs Csáki and Veronika Végh are like our surrogate parents, so I am very grateful to have been a part of oDEon,” said Erfan Amini Masouleh, who played the part of Scuttle, the seagull. As he has plans for his future in London after completing his studies in dentistry, yet another young talent from the international company of the University of Debrecen will play this part in the fall production of The Little Mermaid.
Cast:
Ariel: Shayodya Wathmavi Peiris, Sri Lanka
Prince Erik: Rosh Koneri, India
Sebastian: Aian Fernandes, Brazil
King Triton: Ebong Udeme Emmanuel, Nigeria
Scuttle: Erfan Amini Masouleh, Iran
Grimsby: Sarfaraz Ahmed, Pakistan
Ursula: Nwagwu Uchechi Marilyn, Nigeria
Flotsam: Oyindamola Lampejo, Nigeria
Jetsam: Kobia Cosmas Mutembei, Kenya
Flounder: Lóránt Kerekes
Mermaids:
Bolor-Erdene Myagmarsuren, Mongolia
Judy Ahmed, Egypt
Michelle Davies, Nigeria
Oneli Senaya Senevirathne, Sri Lanka
Mmezi Victoria, Nigeria
Ghofrane Gmar, Tunisi
Carlotta: Oluwatofunmi Ojo, Nigeria
Chef Louis: Nikita Belyaev, Russia
Ensemble:
Moeno Ebisawa, Japan
Momoko Kumata, Japan
Anujin Altankhuyag, Mongolia
Fuka Noguchi, Japan
Press Office -TB
Photo credits: Bence Szabó
