Theatre History

The day began with a prayer, led by Gowtham Upadyaya, which set a calm and focused atmosphere for the sessions that followed. Participants then engaged in a series of head-to-toe physical exercises designed to heighten body awareness. Each body part was carefully activated through controlled, flowing movements, promoting flexibility and preparing participants for the demands of theatrical performance. The session included a progressive number game that challenged the group’s concentration, where participants had to replace every fifth number with a clap and, as the exercise progressed, add elements like a color and a food name. The complexity increased as the pace of counting out loud intensified, sharpening focus and mental agility essential for theatre. Additionally, participants practiced clap sequences in both circular and random patterns, encouraging group coordination and rhythm.

Voice exercises were guided by Shreedhar Kumar, focusing on vocal development through prayer recitation. Each line of the prayers was broken down into individual words and repeated three times to enhance articulation and clarity in speech. Participants practiced a series of classical texts, focusing on refining pronunciation and enhancing voice modulation through rhythmic and precise recitation techniques. These recitations built a strong vocal foundation, essential for effective stage performance.

Session 2, conducted by Bharath Shastry, delved into the rich history of theatre. Bharath explained the importance of understanding theatre's historical background, categorizing it into social and intellectual history. The discussion spanned the evolution of theatre from pre-civilization to post-civilization eras, exploring how historical contexts have influenced theatrical practices. The session also provided insights into Greek and Roman theatre traditions and covered the history of theatre in India, emphasizing the cultural and societal impacts that have shaped theatre over time. This comprehensive exploration helped participants appreciate the roots and significance of theatre within a broader cultural and historical framework.