Fine Arts (Dance and Drama)

What you’ll do

Fine arts come under the classification of intangible culture and are considered the most important aspect of culture — involving aspects starting from building a theatre to the final outcome for society. The Natyasastra is the living proof of such a wide scope of fine arts.

Swami Vivekananda differentiated the two cultures, of Greece and India, by stating that the secret of Greek art was the flawless imitation of nature, whereas the secret of Indian art was to represent the supersensual or the ideal. He considered drama the most difficult of all arts — it demands immense skill because it must simultaneously satisfy the eyes and ears while seamlessly managing the stage to maintain a central, cohesive interest.

Over six days, you will work through theoretical and practical sessions on the Natyasastra. You will explore its purpose, its vast approach, and its relevance even today. You will study the ten varieties of drama and the role of dance within and outside drama. On the practical side, you will choose a cultural value, connect it to a story from the Itihasa and Puranas, write dialogues and songs, and prepare a final presentation.

What you’ll make

You will be given a list of cultural values and may choose one among them — or bring your own. You will connect your chosen value to a story from the Itihasa and Puranas, write dialogues and songs for it, and shape it into a presentation that you perform on the final day. The choice of stories will be provided, and you can also draw from your own repertoire. Technical aspects will be taught and facilitation for the practical approach will be guided.

Your six days

Cultural values are always a part of life’s journey and a continuous learning process. No matter which field a person is pursuing for a career, this forms a pedestal on which a student and an employer survive.