On 16 February 2024, the Department of English in collaboration with Renaissance: Multidisciplinary Centre for Research, Extension and Learning, Sree Sankara College hosted a classroom theatre session titled “Synergy” that aimed to integrate the energies of theatre and classroom for innovative teaching and learning practices.
The session was centered around Dario Fo’s play “The Accidental Death of an Anarchist,” a political drama that explores the theme of political power dynamics, governmental institutions, and their impact on individuals and society. Through theatre, this genre of drama critiques political systems, exposes corruption and social issues, and challenges audiences to face uncomfortable truths about the systems they live in.
Dr. Sujeesh C. K. led the class with a captivating solo performance, playing all eight roles in the play without the use of any props, costumes, or makeup. The classroom was designed to be immersive, with students not needing to carry books to study the drama.
The session began with an informal introduction to the play and playwright, followed by a series of dialogues, discussions, and acting interspersed throughout the class. Over fifty students from various colleges participated in the classroom theatre session. The class concluded with an interactive session, where students had the opportunity to ask questions and share their feedback. Overall, the “Synergy” classroom theatre session was a unique and engaging way to learn about political drama, offering students a chance to experience the power of theatre while deepening their understanding of complex texts.
