XAVIER'S NEWS & FEATURES E-SERVICE (XNFES)
NATIONAL SEMINAR ON THEATRE FOR TRANSFORMATION
'Theatre is transformation. It transforms spaces, it transforms actors, it
transforms stories. It is not a fixed frame. It is never static. The culture
that theatre brings is itself transformation' said Mrs. Tripurari Sharma,
setting the tone for the two day national seminar on 'Theatre for
transformation' in a key-note address that clearly reflected her vast
experience in, and deep passion for theatre. A Sanskriti Puraskar awardee
and Associate Professor of Acting at the National School of Drama, New
Delhi, Mrs. Sharma is a legend in the field of theatre, as a translator of
several Indian and Western plays, a reputed director and playwright, who
represented India at the first International Women Playrights' Conference in
USA in 1986.
'Theatre questions permanence. It is a game or attitude of searching for
possibilities' added Mrs. Sharma, while referring to Bertold Bretch and his
notions of theatre effecting change through a questioning of established
social models. She spoke of the relevance of Street Theatre, Theatre of the
Oppressed, Dalit Theatre and Womens' Theatre, in our struggle for social
change in India today. 'Those who are marginalized can be brought to the
centre through a medium that overcomes the limitations of the written word.
Neither actors nor the audience require literacy,' she said. 'Theatre gives
voice to those who are silenced, and we have a lot to learn from these
voices,' she emphasized.
The Seminar which was organized by the School of Languages of St. Xavier's
college, Mapusa, in collaboration with Kala Academy, Panaji, attracted an
audience of over a 100 academicians, professionals in the field, students as
well as members of the public with a passion for theatre.
Principal Newman Fernandes welcomed the gathering with a brief introduction
to the aim of this seminar. . He underscored the universal need for theatre
to help people to learn to live harmoniously in a multicultural society.
'In theatre, actions speak louder than words' he said, referring to the
masters of western stage-Sophocles, Shakespeare and Moliere and the mighty
impact of their drama on the multitudes.
The Chief Guest, Mr.Vijay Kenkre, a well known personality in the field of
Marathi theatre, shared with the gathering his personal experience in the
field, while stressing on the need to put the human soul back into theatre
today. 'The professional artist must have a social conscience' he said. Dr.
Panduranga PhalDesai, Member Secretary of Kala Academy, while expressing his
appreciation and pleasure at being part of a very interesting collaborative
exercise between the two institutions, hoped that the event would generate a
dialogue on the power of theatre to effect social transformation. The Guest
of Honour of the day, Dr. S Bhat, Head of Department of English, Goa
University, spoke of the folk dance drama form, Yakshagana and its
transformative power.
Dr. Ramita Gurav Dean of the School of Languages, St. Xavier's College,
presented tokens of appreciation to the dignitaries. Mrs. Alice D'Cruz ,
Coordinator of the Seminar, proposed the vote of thanks. The inaugural
function was compered by Mrs. Shirlene P. Fernandes of the Dept. of English.
This seminar was partly sponsored by University Grants Commission and some
well wishers.
