Theatre Workshop

The Enact Collective of The Bhawanipur Education Society College organized a theater workshop for aspiring actors. The workshop was held from 17th – 19th May, 2023 in Valia Hall. The workshop was conducted by Subramya Pushak Dasgupta who has acquired graduate-level training in Hindustani classical music. He is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, theater and a film actor turned filmmaker and also an art researcher. Mr. Suramya has pursued visual and performative arts in their folk and classical forms, performing across Asia and Europe. “An embodiment of immaterial affluence and the spiritual” – is how he describes his art and its purpose.

On the first day of the workshop, breathing exercises were taught. A few vocal exercises were also taught to boast the vocal capacity of the attendants. A few interesting games were played which helped the attendants to understand the various speeds at which a performance is usually carried out in theater. Specific situations were given, and the attendants were asked to act accordingly. The first session of the workshop ended with the practice of meditation.

On the second day, the attendants of the workshop practiced breathing and vocal exercises taught the previous day. The attendants played an interesting game which signified the importance of transferring energy. They were also informed about the navrasa or the nine rasas (Emotions) innate to humans while acting. The attendants were taught about rhythms and variations in tone while delivering the dialogue. All the participants picked a dialogue and delivered it in a way that depicted a particular emotion. Everyone enjoyed this interesting session.

On the third day of the workshop, the attendants were divided into two groups of boys & girls. Their task was to present a scene with characters who looked like humans but have the spirit of an animal. The other group had to guess which character represents a particular animal. If they guessed correctly, they would get five points and the performing team would get ten points. The girl’s group presented an office scene and the boy’s group presented a hospital scene. Both the teams performed well but the boy’s team won the challenge. In the end, the budding actors were enlightened about realistic acting. They were then further divided into two groups and were asked to represent a scene on a given topic. Both teams gave their best and presented a particular scene with enthusiasm. Towards the end, a group picture was captured along with the certificate distribution of each participant. This was an enriching experience for all, and a great initiative taken by the Enact Collective of the college.

Reporter – Kasis Shaw