National School of Drama and the Department of Education, University of Delhi organized a collaborative event for the students of Elementary Education. Miranda House students were also invited. The name of the production is 'Pandita Ramabai'-based on the life of Ramabai, the social reformer from Maharastra.
It was a participatory theater based on a chapter of standard 8th History book.The NSD team presented the life of Pandita Ramabai at the backdrop of 19th century social reform movements. Interestingly, the hindrance of women social workers were emphasized through some actual and some imaginary characters.
The theater had also depicted Ramabai's visit to England, coming back to India and the establishment of 'Mukti Sadan'-the school and institute based on women's and children's education.
The most exiting part was that, the characters of the drama interacted with the students and also had group discussions with them on various social issues.
The discussion questions were not confined to education issues, they had also talked about 'what is not acceptable for women in the society', both in terms of early 19th century and present day situation.
It was a wonderful experience. This kind of participatory theater has a strong need in education. Can't we have these sort of presentations outside Delhi too? Specifically, in small towns and villages? Or in other cities?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandita_Ramabai_Mukti_Mission
http://www.indiareadyreckoner.com/2010/04/nsds-theatre-in-education-company.html
Saturday, August 27, 2011
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