Kids get a taste of play

Around 50 students from across the state were exposed to the nuances of various facets of drama at the Catharsis Genuine theatre Workshop workshop on drama and theatre organised by State Institute for Artistic Rejuvenation (SITAR), a programme of the Higher Secondary State Education Department.

The ongoing workshop at Ashirbhavan aims to create awareness on drama as a performing art and tap the acting potential and skills of higher secondary school students.  Students from the government schools across the state who were shortlisted from those who took part in the three regional drama workshops held in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode last month are participating. The aim of the workshop is to promote new ideas and to create an individuality through acting, said dramtist Amal Raj, the coordinator of the event.

“There are many talented students who can perfect their skills through training and practice. Our programme is such that students will be exposed to all areas of drama production.

The students said the programme has helped them boost their confidence during their interactive sessions with eminent dramatists. The students were taken to a photo exhibition introducing them to the history of Indian drama.  The workshop has facilitated an academic knowledge of the art form apart from mere acting experience, said Vasundara, a student from Thrissur.

The workshop was inaugurated by P Balachandran, film director and vice-chairman  of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi. T M Abraham was the chief guest. 

As part of the regional camp, classes were taken by veterans in the field including Kanayi Kunjiraman, Kukku Parameswaran, Prasanth Narayan Jayaprakash and Manu Jose. The faculty and students of the workshop presented a play ‘Shudhamadhalam’.

The official launch of the play will be held at the National School of Drama, Delhi, on November 25. The workshop will conclude on Monday.