All the worlds a stage

Updated on: Tuesday, March 22, 2011

In an education system that promotes individualistic thinking and creative solutions, theatre is one of the best ways to help students find a medium to express themselves and learn along the way. “Inculcating theatre at the school level helps students to develop a medium to express their ideas in a creative manner. Plus opting for dramatic interpretation of classical plays also helps in language leaning and promotes the habit of reading,” says Sunita Chopra, headmistress, Lilavatibai Podar Senior Secondary school Santacruz (W).

Building skills
Including theatre in schools is a good way to promote creativity and encourage reading habits feels Andreas Swoboda, head of Oberoi International school, Goregaon (E).

“Encouraging creativity in class rooms in the need of the hour. The world we live in today is changing so radically that we don’t know what kind of challenge students will face in the near future. Including creative activities in schools like theatre not only ensures that the kids have fun while learning but also in a way helps them develop life skills,” he explains. Lina Ashar, founder of Kangaroo Kids Preschools and Billabong High International schools agrees to the viewpoints and adds, “Apart from the freshness that theatre brings into the monotony of text and lecture-based learning, it also imbibes, by default, some life skills like abilities of thinking on one’s feet, solution seeking, team play, a sense of one’s environment, compassion, an ability to put creative ideas into action, etc. All these qualities are some of the most essential qualities for success in life.”

Discover hidden talents
“Children love drama for one simple reason: it’s fun. Also it is a great way to enhance communicatory and oratory skills and also end up discovering hidden talents,” says Tejas Srinivasan, a class IX students from Apeejay school Nerul. “My role in our school play required a singing talent. I was very apprehensive about it but when I started practicing I discovered that not only can I carry a tune perfectly but I also enjoy the whole experience,” beams Akshat Singhal a class XI student from Lilavatibai Podar Senior Secondary School.

All the worlds a stage

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