National Conference on ‘Role of Theatre : Past, Present and Road Ahead

In the recent times the relevance of theatre arts as an academic discipline in our society and the place of educational drama in nurturing individuals potential among youngsters has increased. With the aim to state the importance of theatre in field of education, The  IIS university under the aegis of the IISU Theatrical Society organized a two days National conference from 3-4 April 2017 on “The role of Theatre in Education : past, present and  road ahead”. The focus of the conference was to provide an opportunity to research scholars, students and teachers to exchange and share their experiences about the success of theatre, positive role that theatre can play in education.

Day1 i.e. 3april2017, commenced with inaugural ceremony by lamp lighting by dignitaries followed by saraswati  vandana. Guest of honour in the ceremony was Professor Robin Das, eminent theatre director and actor and chief guest was Ms Mita Vashisht eminent theatre artist and bollywood actor. Welcome address was delivered by the Vice Chancellor  Dr. Ashok Gupta. The aims and objectives of the conference were introduced by Dr. Aditi  R Khandelwal, Conference Convener. Guest of honour professor Robin Das shared his experience about how theatre can play an eminent role in educating students.  

The inaugural keynote address was delivered by Ms Mita Vashisht. She enlightened the participants about the role of theatre, identity of self, voice and emphasized that “theatre is itself education”. The kernel of her address was the role of theatre and its technique to discover self and how she emancipated women sex workers through performance in theatre. Dr. Raakhi Gupta, Registrar The IIS University proposed a formal vote of thanks in the ceremony.

The inaugural session was followed by two technical sessions. The first technical session was a panel discussion based on the theme “Social and Cultural aspects of Theatre in Education”. The session was coordinated by Dr. Ameeta Sharma and moderated by Mr. Kuljeet Singh. The panellists in the session were Professor Robin Das, Professor Sunit Tandon and Mr. K G Krishnamurthy.

Professor Robin Das spoke on “theatre and culture” and introduced the rural context of theatre. He spoke about children’s theatre and how the role of theatre in curriculum is limited. Mr. K G Krishnamurthy discussed about the new experiments in theatre. He enlightened the audience about performance oriented and process oriented theatre. He said theatre helps children to evolve socially.

Professor Sunit Tandon shared his experience about working in college theatre groups and how TIE plays a role in fighting stage fear and rediscovering self. It also creates cultural awareness and  helps to develop leadership skills. The panel discussion was very fruitful and vividly brought forth the significant role of theatre in socio political and cultural aspects of life.

The second technical session was on “The Role of theatre in education for promoting regional theatre”. The session was co-ordinated by Ms. Abhishikha Joshi and was chaired by Mr. Shiva Tummu, Theatre director and actor , faculty , Department of Drama , University of Rajasthan. The session had two speakers Professor Robin Das and Shri K.G Krishnamurthy. The session began with the introduction of both speakers by the chairperson. The first speaker, Professor Robin Das talked about modern theatre and also about creative satisfaction. He also emphasised that uncertainty is the essence of drama and concluded by depicting inclusive nature of theatre which accommodates the refined and the raw, the professionals and the amateurs.

Shri K G Krishnamurthy while giving his interpretation of “Theatre in Education”, talked about giving a theatre experience to the students in the process of learning, he called teaching- a process of explaining the subtext instead of the text. He also highlighted theatre as being a process and not a product. He concluded by signifying theatre as a medium to solve various socio-cultural problems. The session concluded with 15 paper presentations by the participants.

Day 2 started with the third technical session chaired by Dr. Archana Srivastava , theatre director, head, department of drama, University of Rajasthan and coordinated by Ms. Meha Saxena. The chairperson introduced the speakers. Session had two speakers Mr Sanjay Kumar, associate professor and artistic director, department of English, Hansraj college and  Mr. Arvind Gaur, director and founder, Asmita group.The session was on ‘Theatre as a catalyst in public movements’

Mr Sanjay Kumar mainly focused on the case study he did on ‘NITHARI’ i.e the slums and tried to use theatre as a weapon for the upliftment of children who faced child abuse, organ theft, kidnapping, murders , rapes and other atrocities .

The second speaker Mr Arvind Gaur emphasized that “performance is the key to human experience”. He also stated that contemporary theatre must be enriched with influential ideas of social change to explore its potential . He also briefed about the street plays he has performed under his theatre group ‘asmita’.

Technical session IV started at 12:30 after short tea break. The session was on ‘Theatre as a  career – Prospects and Challenges’. Professor Ravi Chaturvedi chaired the session and it was coordinated by Dr. Vandana Sachdeva. First speaker of the session was  Prof. Beena Agarwal, professor, department of Sanskrit, dean, faculty of arts, University of Rajasthan.  She spoke about ‘NATYASHASTRA’ as a complete book to reform education in all sections of the society . Previously education was limited to knowledge of Vedas and higher class, this particular text helped to educate the deprived women and less educated classes and is referred as the fifth Veda. This inseminated knowledge,culture,education,craft,yog,voice,rhythm and aesthetic sensitivity in the community.

The second speaker, professor Asha Pandey, retired professor, department of European languages, literature and culture studies, University of Rajasthan spoke about meaning of ‘natak’ which means expression and action. She also stated that theatre has served and touched many lives as a concise keeper  and  an agent of change as well as instigator of protest against injustice perpetuated by state. She also stated that Theatre played a pertinent role in French Revolution as well the Indian Freedom Movement. Session concluded with 23 paper presentations by the participants.

In all __ faculty members, __students and __ research scholars shared their research work through oral paper presentations on both days. The presentations were evaluated by the judges Mr Kuljeet Singh and Prof. Beena Agarwal.

3 Best oral paper presentations were also awarded.

 To sum up

• 122 delegates all over India registered for the conference
• 8 invited lectures were delivered by eminent theatre personalities.
• 38 oral presentations were held on both the days.