Amity University Madhya Pradesh Organises Theatre Workshop under Cineaste 2015

AMITY UNIVERSITY MADHYA PRADESH ORGANISES THEATRE WORKSHOP UNDER CINEASTE 2015

17th March 2015

A Theatre Workshop was organised by Amity School of Communication, Amity University Gwalior on 17th March 2015. The workshop was organised under the annual film fest Cineaste. The objective of the  workshop was  to illuminate the basics of the art of acting and theatre for the students.

The workshop was conducted by eminent theatre artist Mr. Zulfiqar Khan. Zulfiqar Khan is a theatre graduate from Punjab University,Chandigarh, and is the Founder - President of a non-profit organisation ‘Theatre Age’, based in Chandigarh. He was also featured in the 'Stories of Hope and Courage’ series by CNN IBN for his noble work of giving acting and theatre lessons to the under-privileged sections of the society and he has literally given “new roles” to street children. He expressed his ambition of letting the children escape the fate of their forefathers by providing them opportunities for a bright future. He shared success stories of children’s transformation from rag pickers to makeup artists or from beggars to assistant directors.

The session was full of fun and learning with more than 100 students participating in it. Mr. Khan opined that “Shame is the poison for an actor”, and so the students were trained for open and loud expression of emotions like happiness, sorrow, anger or agony. Mr. Khan explained how the road going towards making of a versatile actor passes through simple exercises like laughing freely, crying loudly and being spontaneous. Explaining the qualities of an actor, Mr. Zulfiqar told that it’s all about presenting a lie in the form of a truth. Showing the excellence of his learning and with the enthusiastic participation of the students, an on-the-spot skit was performed very marvellously.

Apart from a practical session, Zulfiqar interacted with the students and elaborated on the significance of acting and theatre, and how it is different from cinema. The discussion brought about the differences in acting on the stage in front of an audience, and acting for cinema.  Do’s and don’ts for the theatre were discussed, emphasising the importance of loud and emphatic acting in a theatre because actors have to make the audience ‘hear’ their acting. He was keen on focusing on the facts that theatre inculcates life-skills and values among people. His blazing energy throughout the session kept the students engrossed during the entire workshop.

On being asked about his passion towards theatre and the zeal to transfer his knowledge to the budding talents, Mr. Zulfiqar said that it was his struggle that inspired him and continues to do so till date. He called it his privilege to get an opportunity to contribute to the society with his work and also help posterity to achieve their dreams.

The workshop proved to be a great brush up session for the students – a perfect blend of entertainment, exposure and learning.

Captivated audience during the workshop

Mr. Julfiqar Khan teaching students skills of theater acting

Students enacting a Scene given by Mr. Julfiqar Khan