Unveiling Creativity: Kolkata celebrates Theatre in Edugraph's Summer Workshops

The words ‘Theatre’ and ‘City of Joy’ resonate beautifully. Kolkata, the country's cultural capital, has a long-standing association with this powerful medium of expression. From the legendary Girish Ghosh in the nineteenth century to contemporary group theatre, the craft has evolved significantly. Theatre has often played a crucial role not only in criticising those in power but also in delivering powerful societal messages and dismantling social taboos.

In light of the city’s rich history with this art form, The Telegraph Online Edugraph organised a three-day, fun-filled learning session as part of its ongoing Edugraph Summer Workshops.

Shriek of Silence, a city-based multi-lingual theatre institution led by Suprovo Tagore and Ritwika Chaudhuri, conducted the workshop between May 27 and May 29 at Sri Sri Academy, the venue partner of The Telegraph Online Edugraph: Summer Workshops.

The workshop was divided into two batches: one for juniors (8-12 years) and the other for seniors (13-18 years).

Over the three days, students delved into the intricacies of this important art form, helping them master the craft thoroughly and become future practitioners.

• Ice-Breakers: This created a comfortable atmosphere for the students to interact with each other.
• Voice & Speech: The students were provided pointers to develop vocal techniques and speech clarity for effective communication on stage.
• Emotions & Expressions: Children explored various emotions and methods to express them authentically in performance.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: They also learned about the importance of teamwork and collaboration 
• Stage Dynamics: Children were given an understanding of the spatial dynamics of stage performance, including movement and blocking.
• Improvisational Theatre: Students learned methods to enhance spontaneity and creativity through improvisation exercises and games.
• Create your own story: The children were divided into groups to collaborate and devise original narratives, fostering creativity and ownership in storytelling.

“Theatre is a life skill. Not all the children who participated in the workshop will necessarily become actors. This art form makes them understand the importance of teamwork and makes them better communicators, which in turn helps boost their confidence. The children understood the relevance of theatre in their growth and development and imbibed the skills in their daily lives,” said Suprovo Tagore.

“I thank Edugraph for providing children with such an opportunity. The students were enriched with new ideas, learned the craft, and shared their thoughts. I hope that such workshops are conducted every year so that students continue to get such hands-on learning experiences,” said Ritwika Chaudhuri.

The theatre workshop was a resounding success, providing students with a comprehensive toolkit of theatrical skills. From the initial ice-breakers to creating original stories, each activity was designed to nurture their talents and boost their confidence. As they continue to explore the world of theatre, these young performers carry with them invaluable lessons in communication, collaboration, creativity, and expression. The workshop has undoubtedly laid a strong foundation for their future endeavours, both on the stage and beyond.

Several other workshops are lined up over the next two weeks at The Telegraph Online Edugraph Summer Workshops, tailored to meet the needs of innovative young minds. These include workshops on Comics Art by Harsho Mohan Chattoraj, graphical novelist and illustrator, Mobile Filmmaking by Samrat Dasgupta, Director and Editor, Speedcubing by Hitesh Bhuwalka, international Puzzle coach and Speedcuber, Cardstacking by Arnav Daga, Guinness World Record holder, Basic Electronics by Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), Life Sciences by BITM, and more.

So, what are you waiting for? The seats are filling up fast. Take advantage of The Telegraph Online Edugraph Summer Workshops and experience the super summer learning adventure.

Sign up at

telegraphindia.com/edugraph/events/summer-workshops for The Telegraph Online Edugraph Workshops: Summer Edition and watch your creativity and knowledge soar.