Gurukul School of Theatre, Theatres, Culture
The Gurukul School of Theatre was established by the Aarohan Theatre Group in the year 2002. Gurukul originates from an old traditional way of education. Students or scholars that attended the Gurukul would live on the premises, be educated by the guru and take care of the school. They would be responsible for the cleaning, cooking, taking care of the guru and collecting items that were needed for the daily running of the school. Of course, there were no classrooms or a formal educational system.
To combine this ancient tradition with modern times, the Gurukul School
of Theatre offers courses, lectures and theatre related classes. But also
offers more unusual courses such as martial arts. Believing in the Gurukul
form of teaching, educating students on life and personal hygiene, students
are in charge of managing and supervision of their dorms, class rooms and
school grounds. This prepares them for life in general, with cleaning,
cooking and other responsibilities, to give them confidence and broaden
their perspective.
The residential course, that is a two-year program, includes subjects
such as acting, dramatic literature, music, direction, creative writing and
theatre techniques. Courses such as martial arts, dance, yoga and mime, fall
under the Physical Preparation course. The school also offers painting
classes and mask classes in the Visual Arts division. “Theatre as Politics”
covers subjects such as street theatre, historical facts and social studies.
Personal growth and skills are also offered to the students to prepare them
for their futures. By the time a student leaves the Gurukul School of
Theatre, they are able to direct plays, write their own plays, have complete
knowledge in lighting, make-up, sound and stage props, be confident in
speech and even improvisation.
Students of the Gurukul School of Theatre will be ready to enter the
world of theatre and be able to make a difference in the lives of so many,
including their own. The school teaches students how to entertain and how to
educate. Life skills that are taught here are also invaluable and plays
its part is creating an educated and skilled Nepali community.
