The historic campus of Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College in Madurai recently transformed into a vibrant stage for a grand theatrical production. The college successfully presented William Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, Antony and Cleopatra, bringing together talent from across its student body.
A Grand Production with Massive Student Involvement
The play, which opened on Monday for college and school students, featured an impressive cast of more than 50 student actors drawn from 10 different academic departments. A public show was also held on the evening of January 10. Principal A Ramasubbiah revealed that the ambitious production saw an investment of approximately 10 lakh rupees. He expressed delight at the overwhelming response from students of other institutions, stating that the college raises the bar for its annual productions every year.
Departmental Leadership and Thematic Focus
The initiative was spearheaded by the English department, with about 80 students involved in critical backstage operations like lighting, make-up, costume design, and set creation. The department head, R Dhanalakshmi, explained their consistent focus on Shakespeare's works. This year, they chose Antony and Cleopatra for its challenging narrative and complex characters, offering students a deeper acting exploration.
To do justice to the epic tale, significant effort was put into authentic costumes, make-up, and sets that perfectly supplemented the scene. The use of music and actor-attached microphones made the ancient story engaging for a modern audience. Dhanalakshmi also highlighted a special focus on innovative lighting techniques this year.
Beyond Performance: Building Skills and Reclaiming Narratives
The play was directed by two professors from the department, Saroja V Kumar and Besaline. Professor Saroja emphasized that the project's value extends far beyond performing arts. It serves as a dynamic platform for students to develop English language skills, pronunciation, and teamwork.
She added a powerful perspective on the character of Cleopatra, noting she represents a complex queenship often overshadowed by patriarchal narratives. "Through this play, we aim to reclaim her story," Professor Saroja stated. Faculty members unanimously agreed that such programmes are crucial. They not only promote theatre arts but also equip students with essential life skills and soft skills, fostering both personal and professional growth.
