Annabelle Ferro (left) interacts with students

These values of diligence, discipline and kindness are familiar terms to generations of students. Not surprising since the foundation of the school was laid in April 1852 by Jesuits from Germany with an orphanage in Byculla. Over the next decade, the seminary transferred to Cavel, and the Boys Native Orphanage moved to Bandra in June 1863. This was the beginning of an educational institution that has now become a landmark in the suburban neighbourhood.

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The stage being set up in the foreground of the school

This writer cannot help but be struck by the coincidences of the school’s connection with history. In January of 1863, the same year in which the school moved to Bandra, former US president Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation to end slavery in the United States of America. Ferro shares a detail from an old school archive that notes how African natives who were rescued from slave trade by the British Royal Navy were often given shelter and education by the orphanage. Similarly, she remarks that the true heritage highlighted by the performance is the values. “There is the Ignatian concept of Magis — to give more of yourself to every task you take on. That is what makes every student a Superstan.”

Sister Arockiammal Anthony, the school’s principal

Principal of the school, sister Arockiammal Anthony explains, “One hundred and sixty years in education is no easy feat. We have sought to give a holistic education to build character among students.” This, she adds, reflects in the traditional success of the school in sports, particularly, hockey. From the legendary Oliver Andrade to Olympians in former India captain Viren Rasquinha and Marcellus Gomes, there is a continuing tradition. Sister Anthony notes with pride, “Even now, four of our under-14 boys were selected for the Maharashtra hockey team.” Does that make them and St Andrews, their next-door-neighbour, rivals in school tourneys? “Not St Andrews so much. I think Don Bosco in Matunga has a healthy rivalry with us currently,” she tells us in jest.

Teachers and students will be part of the performance

Back on the school grounds, the rehearsals continue under the lights. Auditions began in March this year, and rehearsals followed almost immediately. “We have been lucky to have help from actor and theatremaker Asif Ali Beg. We held over 10 workshops with the students before rehearsals began,” she says. The performance will feature 350 members with teachers and students, including past and present ‘Stans’. From singer Shaan — the chief guest and a performer at the event, to Gomes (who will share a video message), the alumni will represent as Superstans. With a blend of original songs and some modern takes on classics orchestrated by composer Kaizad Gherda, the musical offers promise.

Marcellus Gomes and Viren Rasquinha

But the show is all about the current crop. From the ideation to the conceptual dresses and sketches, the students were the architects. “We realised that every child had something to contribute, whether it was a sketch or a talent. They wanted to draw or add an idea, and were always engaged in the play from day one,” Ferro says.

As another year rolls by, it is easy to see how the vast, familiar yellow-and-green façade of St Stanislaus continues to nurture yet another generation. The tradition of this Hill Road landmark continues.

On December 21 and 22; 7 pm onwards 
At St Stanislaus High School Grounds, Hill Road, Bandra West. 
Call 9833243200 (for registering); or at school counters 
Cost Rs 500 onwards