In order to popularize the usage of masks in theatre, the Drama Club of PSG College of Arts and Science organized a special 24 days workshop for the students of the college on Sunday.

According to one of the organizers, L. Ramraj, associate professor of Tamil at the College, the workshop would help the students understand the varieties of masks that are prevalent in the society, through drama. “The usage of masks dates back to the ancient times. Mask is not just about covering the face but the entire body,” he added.

He opined that the experience would help reveal the real self of the individuals despite the masks.

Seeing the workshop as a platform for the students to learn all the aspects of theatre, Ramraj said that they will be directly involved in the pre-production, including script writing, creating the properties to be used, music, and discussion of plot, which will help their professional stage careers.

N. Hardik Bafna, a member of the club, said that theatre is an essential art form today and it is imperative that students involve in the art with their hearts and souls. “This is the first-of-its-kind scenario where the students will directly participate in a large-scale drama production, organized entirely by the students,” he said. He further added that it would help the students extend the reach of drama to all parts of the society.

As many as 30 students will be participating in the workshop. 20 of these students will be selected to act in the play which will be staged at the end of the workshop, on January 9, at the college. “Around 80 students will also be assisting the team, behind the screen and off-stage,” he added.

The students will be trained by dramatist S. Murugaboopathy from the Manalmagudi Nataka Nilam and his team members.