There are many apprehensions that stop one from being actively involved in theatre activities while in school.
Will it affect studies? Won't it divert one's attention? Is it a safe domain for girls? In a way these fears are natural, but is there any substance in it?
Ask C. Anusha and N. Sajna, who have acted in more than 30 plays and are students of Government Higher Secondary School, Azchavattam in Kozhikode.
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These teenagers, who have been an integral part of the school theatre for the last three years say that instead of affecting their studies or distracting their attention theatre has influenced them in a whole lot of positive ways and helped them be among the best students in the school.
“I would definitely have been a lesser student without my association with the school theatre,” says C. Anusha, who is presently in Std X and is the leader of the school.
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While vouching that theatre has not been in the way of scoring good marks in examinations, Anusha firmly believes that she owes it completely to the school theatre for her oratorical skills and a better understanding of the world around her.
“It has given me a healthier and more comprehensive perspective of life and how it should be lived,” says the teenager, who has won many prizes for her oratory and acting skills.
Though the rehearsals and other preparations for staging plays in different places steal some of her study-time, she makes up for it by finding extra time for reading textbooks. “Besides, theatre itself is a great classroom,” says Anusha, who along with her batchmate Sajna and seven other boys are the frontrunners of the 50-member school theatre.
Life's lessons
Sajna shares her friend's view and believes that what she has learnt in 10 years at school, she has learnt in just a few years of being involved in theatre. “Besides complementing my studies, theatre has taught me great lessons in team work, leadership, problem solving and understanding and respecting others,” says Sajna, who according to her teacher, is one of the top-scorers in her class. “Theatre makes you a more responsible person besides triggering the creativity inside you,” she feels.
Now, does she feeling safe as theatre is mostly male dominated? “Cent per cent,” comes the reply adding that not even once she had to be aware of her gender while being with their friends on stage. As this duo is vigorously preparing for their SSLC examination, which would see them leaving the school this year, their mentor in theatre, A. Aboobacker, who is also their Malayalam teacher at their school, is not all sad. Because this brilliant duo is only two of the many jewels he has discovered through the annual theatre camp he organises at the school.