Theatre enters the classroom

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Theatre is one of the strongest mediums of expression. And it is now set to enter the school syllabus. CBSE has decided to introduce Theatre Studies as a subject in Classes XI and XII from the current academic year. It will be offered as an elective subject and have a theory paper of 70 marks and 30 marks for a case-study based project and viva voce. The decision has received mixed reactions.

“This is a welcome move and should be embraced with open arms. I think theatre is a medium that brings about self-awareness of an individual in full measure. It is the bedrock on which a talent grows. Introducing theatre at school level will help in producing a fresh lot of costume designers, set designers, theatre directors and actors among others,” says Lushin Dubey, theatre director and actor.
Resonating her view, Dr Sadhana Parashar, director (academic), CBSE says, “Theatre concretises issues that would otherwise remain abstract and difficult for children to grasp. It is a journey to literacy through oral traditions that opens up a wide choice of worthy career options.”
The decision has students all excited. However, the euphoria is tempered with disappointment at it being introduced as a pilot course on first-come-first-serve basis.
“This is a step in the positive direction. There are so many youngsters who are keen on taking up extra-curricular activities like theatre. Getting the right kind of exposure at the right time is very beneficial, so I believe the move is really appreciable,” says Aarushi Aggarwal, student of Ahlcon Public School, Mayur Vihar.
“Theatre in education is not about appealing to a sophisticated adult theatre audience — it is about making young people engaged, excited and aware,” says student Sujoy Ghosh, St Francis De Sales School, Janakpuri.
This will be a base for aspiring actors to hone their talent further, feels Neera Channan, a senior English teacher at DPS Sushant Lok. “Students will get to know about the intricacies of theatre at an early stage,” says Neera.
But the move has also led to apprehensions. “If not handled by the right faculty, it might end up being drab and dreadful like mathematics or history. Also, excessive emphasis on theory is a cause of concern over practical,” says Kuljeet Singh, theatre director, Atelier theatre.