Media release
Dubai, May 11: Team Astitva under the leadership of Christopher Ninasam was on a visit to Dubai to perform two dramas – ‘Salgi’ and ‘Jugari’. They conducted a workshop on stage acting despite their busy schedule to interested stage performers and stage lovers of UAE.
Addressing the workshop on stage acting, ace director of Malayalam theatre Arun Lal said, "An actor while using a property or props while acting should not give the feel of that property to the audience but should make audiences feel that property/props should be the part of telling a story. When using properties on stage, it is crucial to ensure they are safe and functional. Props should be sturdy enough to withstand regular use and designed with safety in mind. It is also essential to make sure props are placed in the correct location on stage, so actors can easily access them when needed."
He said, "Props can also be used to enhance the storytelling in a performance. For example, a character's choice of clothing or the placement of a particular item on stage can convey important information about their personality or backstory. Overall, using properties on stage is a critical aspect of creating a believable and engaging performance."
The workshop was organised by Daiji Dubai in Winny’s Restaurant, Karama.
Co-convenor of Daiji Rang Mandir and co-convenor Melwyn Kalakul welcomed the crowd and artistes. The main guests of the programme Leo D'Souza, Nelson Rodricks, Fr Dr Alwyn Serrao, Christopher Ninasam along with founder president Dayan D'Souza Mukamar and current convenor of Daiji Dubai Nanu Marol Thottam kick-started the programme by playing the African Tribal Drum.
Team Astitva started their workshop by singing Konkani Legend Wilfy Rebimbus’s song ‘Ami Poinnari’.
Leader of Team Astitva Christy Ninasam took over the stage with his topic ‘Observation’ required by actors to perform on the stage. He demonstrated with different examples by involving the audiences. He said that observation is a crucial part of an actor's preparation process. "It allows them to gather information, gain insights, and make conscious choices about how they will bring their characters to life on stage," he said.
Further he informed that the key observations that actors should take note of during their preparation are character study, emotional exploration, relationships and dynamics, physicality and movement, vocal exploration, context and setting and rehearsal observations.
After Christopher Ninasam, Fr Dr Alwyn Serrao took over the stage and emphasised on script for a good drama. He informed that writing a good script takes practice and perseverance. He called upon budding drama writers to study scripts from accomplished writers, watch movies, and continue honing their skills. "Embrace feedback and continuously seek opportunities to improve your writing," he said.
Speaking about his personal experience, he said writing a good script involves careful planning, creative storytelling, and effective execution. He spoke in detail on how to write a good drama by emphasising on 'determining the concept, developing characters, outlining of the story, writing engaging dialogues, focusing on visual storytelling, pacing the script effectively, creating compelling conflicts, show and not telling, revising and editing, formatting and presentation.
To provide more clarity on script, observation and use of properties, Team Astitva enacted the story ‘Juzechya Peramchi Kaani’ written by Melvyn Rodrigues.
Attendees of the workshop asked different questions relating to the stage and got their doubts cleared.
Daiji Dubai treasurer Santhosh D'Souza Perla proposed the vote of thanks. Daiji Dubai member Anil Pinto Kulshekar compered the entire programme.
Later, all the participants were served with a sumptuous dinner.