The Master Class in Ancient Indian Drama

Time began to seemingly have no meaning. We were immersed in theatre and the political events of the world receded from our thoughts and minds. Professor K.S. Rajendran from the National Academy in New Delhi, India was to instruct us on the topic of Ancient Indian Drama. He was joined by Professor Shashidhar Acharya who instructed the students in the various aspects of Classical Indian Dance. I was honored to be asked to provide a short lecture for the students of the various nations under the guidance of Professor Rajendran. Some of the subjects of contained in my lecture were the foundations of Ancient Indian Drama and Sakuntala by Kalidasa. While the students continued to work on the movements with Professor Acharya, I conducted many days of intense research on Indian Theatre and dramaturgical research on Kalidasa and his Sakuntala. These photographs show the class work on dance technique provided by Professor Shashidhar Acharya and acting techniques provided by Professor Rajendran. Other photographs show work by various nations and a collective work by all students on Sakuntala.