Imitation & Imagination

The day began under the guidance of Surabhi Vasisht, who led participants in a brief reflective exercise to set a focused and calm tone. The first activity was a clap-passing game, where each participant passed along a clap by mimicking the style, rhythm, and sound of the previous clap. This exercise fostered attentiveness and encouraged participants to observe subtle details in timing and movement. Next, the "Titanic Ship" activity required participants to imagine balancing on an unstable ship, moving to various corners to keep the "ship" steady. This exercise strengthened teamwork and physical coordination. Participants then practiced walking at different speeds, guided by the count of the leader, which helped them synchronize with precise timing. In the next activity, participants quickly formed specific shapes on cue, reinforcing responsiveness. Later, groups—named Mysuru Mallige, Kakana Kote, and Madaari Madayya—observed and imitated each other's walking styles, with each participant choosing someone to mirror in an exaggerated form. The session concluded with a 15-minute break.

Led by Shreedhar, the next session focused on vocal clarity, concentration, and breath control through rhythmic recitations. Participants practiced a series of passages, including selections from the Moolaramayana, repeating each verse to enhance vocal projection, rhythm, and precise enunciation.

The final session, again led by Surabhi Vasisht, began with a discussion on the previous day’s assignment, where each participant shared insights from their homework. Each team was asked to mentally prepare for a character they had observed, starting with their own unique walk and, on cue, transitioning into the character’s walk they were imitating. This exercise was repeated twice for each team, allowing participants to practice shifting perspectives and honing their observation and portrayal skills. After each performance, the group discussed the effectiveness of these imitations, receiving feedback on how subtle gestures and exaggerated traits contribute to character development in theater.

The session concluded with a new homework assignment, encouraging participants to further embody the characters they observed by incorporating props or costumes, adding an extra layer of creativity and immersion. The questionnaires from the previous day were collected, and the group continued to discuss the identity of the author of a mysterious passage they had been assigned, building anticipation for the next session.