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As popularized by movies such as 'The Matrix’ and 'The Terminator,' really bad things can happen when good software engineers are allowed to get bored. This is why IIT, as the premier IT education institute in the country, came up with the idea of ‘Stagecraft,’ an annual event highlighting the artistic abilities of all IIT students. Stagecraft is the yearly feat organized by IIT students who feel the need to let their hair down and have some fun, to show off artistic talents that they had kept buried inside themselves for so long. And so it was that this year’s Stagecraft held at Bishops College auditorium was indeed no exception to the grand old IIT tradition. IIT students had been working painstakingly for months and months to make this year’s event an outstanding success, and they succeeded in style. Not only was this year’s event better attended than the last, but the items presented were of a much better standard as well. Everyone knows how hard it is to do two things at the same time. This said, hats off to the full-time students, who juggled studies and Stagecraft, as well as the part-time students who juggled studies, Stagecraft and work, and yet managed to pull off the event with resounding style.

Frankly, this year’s show may have been the biggest crowd puller in the history of Stagecraft. A troupe of dancing girls had the rare privilege of welcoming the chief guest, renowned chorister, alumni and lecturer Mr. Sanjeev Jayarathnam, to the venue. And of course, we mustn't forget well known singer 'Daddy,' who graciously participated in our show.

Thankfully there were no elaborate and boring speeches to spoil our fun - the evening started off with little more than a very appropriate welcome speech. The national anthem was sung and the traditional oil lamp lit and hey ho, the evening's entertainment had begun. Guests were first treated to a delightful traditional dance item presented by Shashini and her troupe. Next came two songs, 'Sihinayak' by Stefan, Isuru and Basura and 'Unmadenee' by Thiwanka, Shanaka and troupe, followed by several dance items including an Indian classical dance presented by Ushanthi and her troupe and a hip-hop item presented by Stefan, Helanga and Rashika. Priyanka gave an excellent rendering of a song from the Hunchback of Notre Dame. And of course, we cannot forget ‘Dinki, Dika, Dishum Dishum,’ which turned out to be much, much better than its name implied.

Fellow IITers led by Janidu, Ravi and Rekha collaborated for several musical items. Melanie choreographed and Pavan led the 'Jhees' in a delightful Punjabi dance. Part-time IITers represented by Piyumika and Co. presented ‘La Bamba,' while a group including Dhanuka, Nilan and Theekshana nearly killed us all with laughter by presenting a dramatic adaption of 'Kekille Rajjuruwo.' Last but not least came our good old IIT choristers to wrap up the evenings performances in resounding style. Afterwards, the performers and guests were treated to the very best of IIT talent, ending with fantastic guest performances by Mr. Jayarathnam and Daddy to conclude Stagecraft 2009.

The evening gave us IITers a wonderful break from our ordinary and routine day-to-day activities. Placement students got a chance to meet up with the rest of their batch, now scattered around in IT companies across the length and breadth of the country. I’m quite sure that our lecturers also enjoyed this break from their usual work. Of course, us students were gracious enough to retreat to the balcony and allow our parents and other guests to take up the best seats closer to the stage. How else could we lustily cheer on our batch mates without any unwanted interruptions?