What is happening to the School of Drama was inevitable, given the profit-oriented academic outlook of our universities, said renowned filmmaker Shyamaprasad, who was a student of the third batch of degree students at the School of Drama.
“I am not surprised to see the school in such a sorry state, as the decay has been happening for the last eight or ten years. The concept of the school was based on the idealistic view of making theatre self-sufficient and thus to bring in changes in society,” he told The Hindu.
The decay has happened from within.
“What else do you expect, if the institution is run like a polytechnic? During our times, we had to study art history, politics and evolution of culture during the first couple of years. All those served as foundation for our career as creative artistes.”
The authorities should leave their penchant for big celebrations and focus on the real issues.
“The institution has been headless for so long. Someone with a vision about the art culture needs to be there at the helm. It is time we looked beyond career-oriented academicians, who are more into reservation quotas and benefits of service.”
Mr. Shyamaprasad also cherishes fond memories about the performing area at the School and the campus.
“The concept of proscenium theatre was shattered inside that space and it taught us how to creatively use the available performing area. I also remember interacting with international figures like Peter Brook and doyens of Asian theatre there.”
