Hope Academy on December 15, presented the ninth edition of its Annual School Drama, staging a large-scale adaptation of The Lion King in what was described as one of the school’s most ambitious productions to date. The production brought together students from Grade 4 to Grade 12, with 58 actors and dancers performing on stage, supported by a 77-member live choir. The scale of participation and coordination reflected months of intensive rehearsals, careful planning and close guidance by faculty members across departments.
Entirely student-driven and non-professional, the production highlighted Hope Academy’s growing reputation as a pioneer in Nagaland for full-length school musical dramas. Over the years, the school has consistently invested in large-format theatrical productions that place students at the centre of the creative process, fostering discipline, teamwork and leadership.
Using The Lion King as its narrative framework, the drama explored themes of responsibility, resilience, friendship and belonging.
The wide range of roles enabled students of varying ages and abilities to contribute meaningfully, emphasising collaboration over individual spotlight.
Beyond its artistic presentation, the production served as a holistic learning platform, helping students develop life skills such as confidence, communication, teamwork, time management and emotional expression. The rigorous rehearsal process encouraged accountability, perseverance and self-belief, contributing to overall personality development.
The programme was graced by Founder of the Brillante Piano Festival, Director of Music Academy Kohima, and Artistic Director of the Jose Thomas Performing Arts Center, Kochi, Khyochano TCK as Guest of Honour. Addressing the gathering, she underscored the importance of the four essential Cs in education—critical thinking, creative thinking, communication and collaboration—and commended the school for sustaining large-scale arts initiatives within a school setting.
Principal Sashizungla Ao, in her address, said the production was conceived to honour the importance of every role, both on stage and in life. She emphasised that true growth and leadership emerge when responsibility is valued over recognition, and encouraged students to practise unity, resilience and empathy beyond the spotlight.
The drama concluded with the full cast and choir assembled on stage, drawing sustained applause from the audience and marking the successful culmination of months of preparation, while reaffirming the school’s commitment to holistic education through the performing arts.
