Recently, Vivekananda College of Kolkata, under the auspices of the institution’s drama club, completed its Theatre Appreciation Course 2.0 with great fervor and zest. This event had taken off from November 30, 2024. During the two weeks of training sessions, the young students got further specialized knowledge with direct practice experience in storytelling from the realm of both theatre and cinema. With a great focus on creative expression and technical proficiency, the course was intended to empower the aspiring actors, directors, and theatre enthusiasts with comprehensive learning sessions and workshops.

Under the able guidance of Prof. Nabakishore Chanda and Senjuti Roy Mukherjee, the drama club has come out as an active hub for theatre enthusiasts promoting the performing arts through regular training sessions and inter-college competitions. Through the years, it has effortlessly come to synch training with performance, thus making theatre a part of student life at Vivekananda College. The Theatre Appreciation Course 2.0 was definitely a testament to the commitment of the club to produce students with more creativity and innovation.

There were a number of theatre and cinema personalities who could share their work and experiences with the participants, and the faculty included senior theatre trainer Jayati Bose, along with other trainees from the Gripps Theatre. A lot of student-friendly information from the theatre fraternity was provided with the help of these sessions with the seniors; the first lot of sessions with Poulami Chattopadhyay, Ayantika Ghosh, and Sumitro Bandyopadhyay set an engaging tone.

There was a rare opportunity for participants to engage with veteran theatre director Suman Mukhopadhyay, who kept their hands raised and ears glued as he shared his glorious past and gave valuable advisory sessions on story-telling. Brilliant theatre expert Abanti Chakraborty’s introducing the Natya Shastra in an imaginative way blended traditional knowledge with modern interpretations.

One of the key highlights of the program was a dynamic workshop conducted by renowned actor Goutam Halder, who spoke on the importance of synchronizing voice and body movements-a basic element of performance in the theatre. His interactive session encouraged participants to explore the nuances of physical expression and vocal modulation. Film director Indranil Roychowdhury brought a cinematic element to the course by presenting techniques of storytelling using an Oscar-winning film that was able to present a distinct angle of perspective to students in narrative construction and visual storytelling.

The course also explored the origins of ancient theatre by another insightful session led by in-house Sanskrit theatre expert Abhishek Das. Their topic gave the participants a better understanding of traditional Indian theatre within its cultural and historical background. The program finally ended with an exhaustive workshop led by veteran director Arpita Ghosh, making the participants know how to create impactful and meaningful theatrical productions.

The session was a valedictory fare, with Anirban Chakrabarti, a popular theatre and film artist, gracing it. His inspiring speech encouraged the students to pursue artistic excellence even further. Chakrabarti also distributed certificates to the successful participants, acknowledging their dedication and growth throughout the course.

The drama club’s success extends beyond the confines of the college campus. In 2024, the club achieved consecutive victories at prestigious inter-college competitions organised by Natadha Theatre Group and Techno International College, New Town. These accolades stand as a testament to the club’s relentless efforts in promoting theatre culture and its members’ exceptional talent.

Now in its sixth year, the club continues to thrive as a nurturing ground for young theatre enthusiasts. The emphasis on regular training and practice remains a cornerstone of its philosophy, with members encouraged to push creative boundaries and explore new storytelling techniques. The Theatre Appreciation Course 2.0 has undoubtedly added another feather to the club’s cap, offering students an enriching platform to learn, grow, and connect with the vibrant world of theatre.

As Vivekananda College Drama Club continues to follow the tradition of integrating training with performance, it continues to solidify its position through initiatives like the Theatre Appreciation Course as an institution for fostering creativity and professional excellence in the performing arts. The dedication of its faculty and the passion of its members have kept this club alive and well in Kolkata’s vibrant cultural scenario.