Girls’ innovation steals the spotlight as boys stick to tradition in mimicry

Impressive mimicry performances by girls at Kerala State School Arts Festival, tackling social issues with creativity and flair.

The mimicry event in the higher secondary school category at the 63rd Kerala State School Arts Festival on Monday saw some impressive performances, with the girls emerging as standout performers. While the boys largely followed a formulaic approach, sticking to traditional imitations of animal sounds, automobiles, and chainsaws, the girls brought fresh and creative elements to the stage, tackling contemporary issues with a distinct flair.

The boys’ performances were, for the most part, predictable. Their acts consisted of replicating the sounds of animals and machines, with many choosing to conclude their performances with high-energy beatboxing or popular background scores. This formula was effective in engaging the youthful audience, whose enthusiasm resembled that of an EDM concert, with the beatboxing adding a rhythmic, modern touch.

In contrast, the girls added a surprising depth to their acts by addressing pressing social issues. Aparna S. from Government HSS, Thrikkodithanam, Kottayam, stood out with a performance that recreated the heart-wrenching aftermath of the recent landslides in Wayanad. She mimicked the howls of a dog trapped under rubble, an infant’s wail, and the whirring sound of a rescue helicopter, vividly portraying the unthinkable devastation. Such performances not only showcased technical skill but also demonstrated the ability to evoke strong emotions through mimicry.

In addition to such serious acts, there were also moments of humour. Bhadra S. Kumar of SNT HSS, Chathannoor, Kollam, amused the audience with her spot-on imitation of public figures. Her impressions of prominent figures like Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran, former Kerala State Youth Commission chairperson Chintha Jerome, and even Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan drew laughter. Her portrayal of his recent press conferences had the audience laughing and clapping in approval.

K.N. Jayathilak, a student of Boys Higher Secondary School, Karunagapally, who earned an A grade for his performance, explained that while he often focused on trendy items like beatboxing, he was keen to experiment further to keep his performances from becoming stale.

Mimicry artist and actor Vinod Kedamangalam, one of the judges, praised the students for their remarkable talent, noting that the opportunities available today are far greater than in the past, ensuring recognition for these budding artists.