Pratyakash: Theatre of Concern

Ankur, the dramatics group of SGTB Khalsa College is one of the promising young amongst the roaring established ones. Like every year, they took a substantial leap, contributing to the growth of theatre in general and campus theatre in particular, theatre critic and playwright Kuljeet Singh reports.

Experimentation and originality characterized Ankur’s work this year. Ankur started its work officially on July 23, 2007 with an introductory meeting with the freshers. They were introduced to theatre through workshops which included basic theatre exercises, script readings, discussions etc. which helped them in producing the first play of this session, Gulaam Aazadi. The play portrayed freedom, what it meant for the freedom fighters and how we have changed its definition. The play was performed by the freshers and was tumultuously applauded by the college audiences. Another historical play, Sikke ke do pehloobased on speculated definition of terrorism after 09.11 was prepared and performed at Miranda House and was praised for its factual content and presentation.

Later members combined their creative resources with a vision of ‘total theatre’ to produce the annual stage production of Ankur, Hatya Ek Aakar Ki that subjects Gandhi’s ideas of truth and non-violence through rigorous historical scrutiny. An atmospheric stage design and lighting added to the powerful acting performances in enabling Hatya... to become the most talked about play of the year, in the campus theatre scenario. The play was performed at both competitive as well as festive venues yielding enthusiastic responses from audiences and critics alike. Gaurav Nagesh, director and principal actor was adjudged ‘Best Actor’ at the inter college theatre competition at Lady Irwin College.  It was invited for a special performance at the Atelier Youth Theatre Week (28 oct - 4 nov, 07) held in the Sri Ram Centre where it was regarded by critics as one of the best plays to be featured. Subsequently National School of Drama invited Ankur for the same play at its B.V. Karanth Memorial Theatre Festival on 30 Jan, 08 where it was highly praised by NSD teachers as well as the students.
 
Leadership and Organizational skills abounded in the forty seven-member Ankur team this year coupled with capable execution by Saikat Ghosh, Convenor, Ankur and the enormously successful theatre event Pratyaksh ’07 at the college festival bore ample testimony to this feature. Pratyaksh ‘07 attracted dramatic attention from all over the campus and received an amazing feedback from the audiences and the participating colleges for its organization.

A notable outcome of Ankur’s activities this year is that it has created a suitable environment for the students to not only explore their dramatic talents but also contribute to sustaining a vision and commitment for original and socially engaging theatre.