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As teachers, we are constantly amazed by the creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm of our students, and this year’s production of You Are Special was no exception. The auditorium of The British School in Colombo was filled with excitement and anticipation as our Year 3 and 4 students took the stage, bringing this heartfelt story to life in a way that left us all deeply moved.

Set in the whimsical town of Wemmicksville, the play follows the journey of Punchinello, a wooden figure burdened with grey dots that symbolize society’s judgments. His encounter with Lucia, a Wemmick untouched by others’ opinions, leads him to discover his true worth through Eli, the woodcarver who created them all. This powerful story teaches an invaluable lesson—one that we, as educators, strive to impart every day: self-worth is not defined by external validation, but by an inner confidence and belief in oneself.

From the moment the curtains rose, our students delivered a spellbinding performance. The choir’s melodious voices set the tone for an evening filled with emotion and inspiration, while each scene unfolded with impeccable dialogue, movement, and expressions. One of the evening’s most memorable moments featured a visually stunning sequence—a video of Eli creating Punchinello played on screen while Eli, portrayed live on stage, performed a touching solo about embracing one’s true self. This unique combination of media and performance deepened the story’s impact, leaving the audience in awe.

Watching our students shine on stage with confidence and poise was a moment of immense pride for all of us. Months of dedication and teamwork had gone into making the production a success. Behind the scenes, teachers and students worked tirelessly on every detail, from expressive choreography to the intricate set designs that transformed the school’s auditorium into Wemmicksville.

The vibrant costumes added a splash of color, bringing the beloved characters to life in a visually captivating spectacle.

As the final scene unfolded and Punchinello realized his worth beyond the stickers that defined him, the audience erupted into applause, celebrating not only the students’ incredible talent but also the play’s profound message.

You Are Special was more than just a school play—it was a celebration of individuality, self-acceptance, and the power of storytelling.

With music, humor, and a touch of magic, our young performers reminded us all that true value lies not in the opinions of others, but in recognizing that we are all special, just as we are. This timeless lesson is one that we, at The British School in Colombo, strive to instill in all our students, making this production a truly meaningful and unforgettable experience.