The popular inter-collegiate drama competition OLIO is back. It is the only English theatre competition of its kind, that brings out the true talent of students (junior and senior), to give a break from academics. The drama festival has made history in creating some versatile actors, directors and script writers. One cannot forget past winners which include actress Frieda Pinto who won Best Actress in 2004.

Aristotle once said "Drama is the depiction of human life." Life is tragedy and comedy. Comedy is the happy, fun aspect of life full of humour and witticism. Tragedy consists the sad and disappointingly unfortunate element.  The ultimate tragedy of life, death, can be comically interpreted.

It is now wonder then that OLIO, which is now well into its 14^th year has themed this year’s event - Comedy of Errros which aims at bringing out  the aspect of Comedy in our lives.

Hosted every year by St Andrew’s College, participating colleges have to come up with original 10-minute scripts for the eliminations which are held in mid August, after which four selected colleges get to a 20-minute one act play at the finals which is held in the first weekend of September. The initial round helps tap hidden talent and bring it to the fore, helping youngsters come on stage, gain confidence of themselves and a chance to move ahead in theatre. The main aim of OLIO is scouting fresh talent at the college level.

Every year the venue witnesses a mad rush for tickets, with many latecomers going empty handed. Unlike St Xavier’s College fest Malhar which is solely for college students, at OLIO even the general public is permitted to book tickets and attend the competition. The event is backed by a talented committee who oversee the functioning and working of the festival. They make sure OLIO has something exciting to give to the audience.

The eliminations for OLIO 2014 were held on the morning of 12th August in the Auditorium of St. Andrew's college. Multiple colleges from all over Mumbai participated with vigor and dynamism. Some of these colleges were St. Xavier's Institute of Engineering, Wilson College, Praveen Gandhi Law College, the host, St. Andrew's College.

Each college had a unique insight to Comedy. Some found the element of humour in the preparatory stage of a theatre production, others sought amusement in the concept of Death. A writer's block was also incorporated in a script. Every production didn't fail to leave the audience with a morning full of entertainment and laughter. It was delightful to see the budding young and raw talent in the students of all the colleges, onstage and offstage. The finalists selected were St. Andrew's College, St. Xavier's Institute of Engineering and Praveen Gandhi Law College. They will perform their plays on the 27th of August. The winner will be declared from among them.

OLIO 2014, Comedy of Errors, promises to be witty, humorous, intriguing,  elaborate and as entertaining as ever, one wisecrack at a time.

But for this mega event, hard core promotions are carried on by the OLIO team months in advance. With the final legt of the competition only a few days away, the OLIO team is busy preparing for last minute hiccups.

OLIO has also been the favorite for ex students who were either associated with it or was part of their college organizing team. Every student ever associated with OLIO, has remarkable memories that they'll cherish throughout their life. The competition not only has the best in stage performances with the winning college walking away with a trophy, it also has fillers, vouchers and goodie bags and loads of spot prizes the audience too.

Tickets for the competition to be held at St. Andrews Auditorium are available at St. Andrews College. Last year’s winner KC College won OLIO 2013, watch out who win’s this year. Book your seat to witness some real Comedy.

Colleges participating in this year

Viva college, Virar, DGMC college, Malad, Pravin Gandhi Law college,Vile Parle, St Xavier's Technical Institute of Engineering, Mahim, Wilson college, Charni Road, St Andrews college, Bandra,

The Finalist:

St. Andrew's College, Bandra, St. Xavier's Institute of Engineering, Mahim and Praveen Gandhi Law College, Vile Parle.

The Prizes

BEST PLAY : RS 12OOO

RUNNERS UP BEST PLAY: RS 6OOO

BEST ACTOR  : RS 4000

RUNNERS UP BEST ACTOR: RS 2000

BEST ACTRESS  :RS 4000

RUNNER UP BEST ACTRESS : Rs 2000

BEST DIRECTOR: RS 8000

BEST SOUND AND LIGHTS: RS 4000

BEST SCRIPT: RS 4000

Musicunplugged.in is the Online Media Partner for OLIO 2014.