The popularity of theatre among people has not diminished in the slightest despite the fast expansion of visual arts and film. On the occasion of World Theatre Day, Onmanorama speaks to a few students whose passion for theatres have led them to opt for a higher education in it or are associated with a drama club of their college.

Amjad Ali, a final-year Bachelor of Theatre Arts (Direction) student of School of Drama and Fine Arts, Thrissur, loves everything about a theatre — from acting to directing it. “The interesting part of a theatre or drama is its liveliness. The strength and space that it gives a performer can't be expressed in words. I love reading dramas and this has inspired me to take up this course. Our campus and teachers have also been a great inspiration for me,” said Amjad.

Ali has realised the profound impact that dramas have on artists and audience. “Every stage has something new to offer to its performers as well as audience and the entire process of theatre excites me. And I strongly believe that no other media can create a solid social impact as dramas do,” he noted.

Amjad dismissed the general notion that theatres would diminish slowly with the increasing popularity of cinema or OTT platforms. “In reality, it is not true. Theatres are going to prevail till the end of time,” he said.

Sharone Paul, a B Com (Finance and Taxation) student of Sacred Hearts College, Thevara, has been passionate about acting in short plays and dramas since childhood. She is an active member of the drama club in her college. She finds it to be the place where she finds solace amidst the hectic academics.

“I respect this art and always wanted to be a part of it. The process of preparing for a drama, the teamwork and the connection between the viewers and the performers are the most interesting parts of this art. Moreover, the feedback from the audience is instant,” she said.

"Being a part of this art has helped me in understanding my inner self. It has also made me an emphatic person,” she explained.

Gadha R Krishnan, another student of the School of Drama and Fine Arts, Thrissur, was clueless about this subject until she opted for it. “Like any other person, I have seen plays that are organised during temple or church festivities. I have always loved art but theatre was a newly found interest after incidentally reading a Calicut University notification calling for applicants for Bachelor of Theatre Arts,” she said.

Gadha admitted that performing in a theatre gives her a different level of happiness. “It all happens in front of the audience. No retakes! Preparing myself for a character, assimilating new things or aspects of performance, improvising and learning dialogues and the ensemble are my favourite parts of a theatre,” she added.

"This art will never become obsolete at any point, therefore it's always time to 'break a leg',” quipped Gadha.

The World Theatre Day is marked worldwide on March 27.