Sri Vijaya Puram, June 26: A month-long theatre workshop aimed at strengthening performing arts and providing structured theatre training to aspiring artists in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands commenced at Andaman Club on Thursday. Organised by the Directorate of Art & Culture, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in collaboration with the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, the programme will continue until July 24, offering participants intensive exposure to different aspects of theatre.
Secretary, Art & Culture, Jyoti Kumari inaugurated the workshop in the presence of Director, Art & Culture, Priyanka Kumari, Workshop Director Surender Sharma, Assistant Director from the National School of Drama, Avinash B. Rao Deshpande, and participants enrolled in the programme.
Addressing the inaugural session, the Secretary said the month-long workshop has been designed to provide participants with comprehensive learning rather than a basic introduction to theatre. She said the programme would help participants gain a deeper understanding of the art form through sustained training and practical exposure.
Highlighting the broader role of theatre, she said it serves as a powerful medium to reflect society, contemporary realities and human emotions. According to her, theatre enables individuals to understand different viewpoints while fostering empathy through artistic expression.
Referring to the cultural landscape of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Secretary said the Islands possess a rich tradition of art, dance, music and creativity. She expressed confidence that the workshop would encourage participants to bring local stories and lived experiences onto the stage, noting that the authentic essence of the Islands can best be represented by those who belong to the region.
Director, Art & Culture, Priyanka Kumari thanked the faculty members from the National School of Drama for conducting the workshop in the Islands. She said the programme would help participants understand the finer aspects and techniques of theatre.
Workshop Director Surender Sharma outlined the objectives of the training programme and described theatre as a multidisciplinary art form that combines dialogue delivery, stage presence, music and dance. He encouraged participants to utilise the opportunity fully, adding that theatre demands commitment, emotional engagement and continuous learning.
The workshop, scheduled from June 25 to July 24, is expected to contribute to the growth of theatre culture in the Islands by providing participants access to training from faculty members of India’s premier theatre institution.
Interested participants can enrol on the spot by visiting Andaman Club on June 26 at 2.45 pm. The workshop will be conducted daily from 2.45 pm to 7 pm and will conclude with a stage performance on July 24, showcasing the skills acquired by participants during the training programme.
The inaugural function concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Assistant Director, Art & Culture, Kanak Radha Chatterjee.
