Tag: Theatre and Drama UGC NET

  • UGC NET UNIT 10 — THEATRE EDUCATION, PEDAGOGY & RESEARCH – MCQs – Performing Arts

     100 MCQs (UGC-NET level)

    1. Theatre in Education (TIE) primarily aims to:
      a) Produce commercially successful plays
      b) Use drama techniques to achieve defined educational objectives
      c) Replace the school curriculum entirely
      d) Create theatrical spectacles for festivals
      Ans: b

    2. Practice-as-Research (PaR) in theatre signifies:
      a) Archival research only
      b) Creative practice as an investigatory method that generates knowledge
      c) Survey research among audiences
      d) Textual editing of plays
      Ans: b

    3. The classical Indian treatise that forms the foundation for traditional actor training is:
      a) Abhinaya Darpana
      b) Natyashastra
      c) Sangeet Ratnakara
      d) Natya Manjusha
      Ans: b

    4. Which institution is the principal national agency for recognition and support to Indian performing arts including theatre?
      a) National School of Drama (NSD)
      b) Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA)
      c) Lalit Kala Akademi
      d) Directorate of Film Festivals
      Ans: b

    5. Nepathya vidhi in classical Indian theatre refers to:
      a) Onstage costume and make-up conventions
      b) Backstage procedures, preparations and rituals
      c) Audience seating plan
      d) Types of stage machines
      Ans: b

    6. A pedagogical method that uses short improvisational exercises to develop listening, spontaneity and status awareness is attributed to:
      a) Konstantin Stanislavsky
      b) Keith Johnstone and Viola Spolin
      c) Vsevolod Meyerhold
      d) Bharata Muni
      Ans: b

    7. Which movement discipline is most directly associated with breath control and centring practices used in actor training?
      a) Kalaripayattu
      b) Yoga (pranayama)
      c) Laban movement analysis
      d) Peking opera singing
      Ans: b

    8. A researcher using participant observation, field notes and interviews to study a living folk theatre tradition is employing:
      a) Experimental method
      b) Ethnography
      c) Bibliographic method
      d) Content analysis
      Ans: b

    9. The National School of Drama (NSD) in India is best described as:
      a) A grant-giving body only
      b) A professional training, repertory and research institution for theatre
      c) A film institute
      d) A private theatre company
      Ans: b

    10. Which of the following best exemplifies applied theatre?
      a) A commercial West End musical
      b) A prison drama workshop facilitating rehabilitation and reintegration
      c) A festival premiere of a classical play
      d) A corporate gala performance
      Ans: b

    11. Abhinaya in Indian performance theory includes all EXCEPT:
      a) Angika (physical expression)
      b) Vachika (speech)
      c) Nepathya (backstage ritual)
      d) Sattvika (psychic-emotional expression)
      Ans: c

    12. In theatre pedagogy, “devising” refers to:
      a) A director staging a canonical script unchanged
      b) Collaborative creation of performance often through improvisation and workshop practice
      c) Only costume design process
      d) Teaching acting by lecturing only
      Ans: b

    13. Which scholar authored Theatres of Independence: Drama, Theory and Urban Performance in India since 1947?
      a) Rustom Bharucha
      b) Aparna Bhargava Dharwadker
      c) Kapila Vatsyayan
      d) Ebrahim Alkazi
      Ans: b

    14. A “production thesis” in a theatre MA/MFA programme typically involves:
      a) Only a written literature review
      b) Mounting a staged production accompanied by a written critical reflection or documentation
      c) Only coursework exams
      d) A business plan for a theatre company
      Ans: b

    15. Which of the following accurately describes “Theatre of the Oppressed”?
      a) A form of classical Indian ritual theatre
      b) Augusto Boal’s set of interactive techniques that empower audiences to rehearse social change
      c) A style of musical theatre
      d) A 19th century melodrama genre
      Ans: b

    16. Kinesthetic awareness in movement training refers to:
      a) Knowledge about lighting instruments
      b) Sensitivity to body position, movement dynamics and internal sensation
      c) Skill in sewing costumes
      d) The study of dramatic texts only
      Ans: b

    17. Which method is most appropriate to evaluate learning outcomes in school theatre programmes?
      a) Only multiple-choice tests
      b) Portfolios, performance assessment rubrics and reflective journals
      c) Box office revenue analysis
      d) Costume checklists only
      Ans: b

    18. Which one is an example of practice-as-research output?
      a) An annotated bibliography only
      b) A documented performance (video) with reflective exegesis linking practice and research questions
      c) A press release for a play
      d) A ticketing report
      Ans: b

    19. Which institution organises Bharat Rang Mahotsav?
      a) Sangeet Natak Akademi
      b) National School of Drama (NSD)
      c) Prithvi Theatre
      d) Ministry of Sports
      Ans: b

    20. Which of the following is NOT a primary aim of community theatre?
      a) Engaging local participants in performance making
      b) Addressing local social concerns and fostering dialogue
      c) Maximising commercial profit for producers
      d) Preserving local performance traditions and knowledge
      Ans: c

    21. Which training system emphasises codified hand gestures (mudras), facial micro-expressions and rasa aesthetic?
      a) Stanislavskian method
      b) Indian classical abhinaya tradition
      c) Meyerhold’s biomechanics
      d) Spolin improvisation games
      Ans: b

    22. Which movement analysis framework is commonly used in actor movement studies to annotate and analyse movement quality (weight, space, time, flow)?
      a) Stanislavsky’s given circumstances
      b) Laban Movement Analysis (LMA)
      c) Brechtian gestus
      d) Boal’s forum techniques
      Ans: b

    23. Which is a core difference between Theatre in Education (TIE) and Applied Theatre?
      a) TIE is always commercial while Applied Theatre is not
      b) TIE is typically curriculum-linked educational practice in schools; Applied Theatre has broader social/therapeutic/community aims beyond formal schooling
      c) TIE uses only puppets; Applied Theatre uses only song
      d) There is no difference; they are identical terms
      Ans: b

    24. Which Indian scholar is known for influential work on intercultural performance and postcolonial critique?
      a) Aparna Dharwadker
      b) Rustom Bharucha
      c) Kapila Vatsyayan
      d) Bharata Muni
      Ans: b

    25. Which of these is a typical research method in theatre studies?
      a) Randomised controlled trials only
      b) Archival research, ethnography, practice-as-research, discourse analysis
      c) Only laboratory chemical tests
      d) Only financial audits
      Ans: b

    26. Which practice is most directly useful for training stage combat and safe falling?
      a) Laban notation
      b) Martial arts (e.g., Kalaripayattu, Aikido) and stage combat techniques
      c) Script analysis only
      d) Costume fitting workshops
      Ans: b

    27. Which major Indian award is conferred for lifetime contribution in performing arts by the Government of India?
      a) Oscar Award
      b) Padma Awards (Padma Shri / Padma Bhushan) and Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship/awards
      c) Booker Prize
      d) Turner Prize
      Ans: b

    28. Which of the following best defines “ensemble devising” in theatre pedagogy?
      a) Theatre made by a single playwright with no performer input
      b) Collective creation where performers co-create material often through improvisation and workshops
      c) A standard proscenium rehearsal process only
      d) Only choreography for musicals
      Ans: b

    29. Which practice emphasizes reduction of spectacle to concentrate on actor–audience encounter and rigorous actor training?
      a) Broadway musical production
      b) Jerzy Grotowski’s Poor Theatre
      c) Kabuki theatre
      d) Peking Opera spectacle
      Ans: b

    30. Which of the following is NOT generally part of a university theatre curriculum?
      a) Theatre history and criticism
      b) Practical workshops in acting / direction / design
      c) Research methodology and dissertation work
      d) Exclusively commercial film production internships (unless elective)
      Ans: d

    31. Which of these is the most suitable method for documenting oral histories of theatre practitioners?
      a) Participant observation and recorded interviews with consent, cataloguing and archiving materials
      b) Only reading published plays
      c) Only scanning ticket stubs
      d) Only filming stage fight sequences without permission
      Ans: a

    32. Which of the following best describes a performance portfolio used in theatre education?
      a) A list of only monetary transactions
      b) An organised collection of evidence — videos, photographs, scripts, reflective notes — demonstrating a student’s learning and creative development
      c) A program brochure only
      d) Only costume receipts
      Ans: b

    33. Which training approach integrates Stanislavskian psychological techniques with traditional Indian abhinaya practices to create hybrid actor training?
      a) Exclusive method acting only
      b) Integrative or hybrid curricula offered in many contemporary conservatories and NSD modules
      c) Only biomechanics training
      d) Only Grotowski’s poor theatre training
      Ans: b

    34. Which festival is primarily associated with contemporary and experimental theatre in Mumbai?
      a) Prithvi Theatre Festival
      b) Bharat Rang Mahotsav
      c) Jaipur Literature Festival
      d) Edinburgh Fringe
      Ans: a

    35. Which of these is a common outcome measure for applied theatre interventions (e.g., health education, social awareness)?
      a) Ticket sales only
      b) Behavioural change indicators, community engagement metrics, qualitative testimonies, pre/post knowledge assessments
      c) Number of costumes used
      d) Only production length
      Ans: b

    36. Which scholar is most associated with the theoretical concept of “performance studies” in global scholarship?
      a) Erika Fischer-Lichte / Richard Schechner (both influential in performance studies)
      b) Only Bharata Muni
      c) Only Keith Johnstone
      d) Only Ebrahim Alkazi
      Ans: a

    37. Which of the following is a key advantage of incorporating puppetry exercises in early theatre pedagogy?
      a) Encourages object work, focus, precision, and non-verbal storytelling skills in learners
      b) Teaches only advanced vocal technique for opera
      c) Replaces theatre games entirely
      d) Is only relevant for film acting
      Ans: a

    38. Which body typically provides fellowships and financial support for theatre research in India?
      a) Sangeet Natak Akademi and University Grants Commission (UGC) / Ministry of Culture schemes
      b) Only commercial film studios
      c) Automobile corporations exclusively
      d) Only fashion houses
      Ans: a

    39. Which movement notation system is used to record and analyse movement in theatre and dance pedagogy?
      a) Morse code
      b) Labanotation (Laban Movement Analysis notation)
      c) Musical notation only
      d) Binary code
      Ans: b

    40. Which pedagogical resource is most useful to assess process-oriented learning in children’s theatre?
      a) End-of-term written exams only
      b) Observational checklists, portfolios, video reflections and peer/self assessment
      c) Solely box office income
      d) Costume invoices
      Ans: b

    41. Which research approach most directly foregrounds the researcher’s creative practice as the method of enquiry and the artistic product as a form of knowledge claim?
      a) Archival cataloguing
      b) Practice-as-Research (PaR) or Practice-led research
      c) Purely bibliographic study
      d) Secondary data analysis
      Ans: b

    42. Which of the following is a central concern of feminist theatre pedagogy?
      a) Reproducing male-centric canonical texts without critique
      b) Addressing gender inequalities, foregrounding women’s narratives and promoting inclusive participatory methodologies
      c) Only commercial success metrics
      d) Excluding women from performance
      Ans: b

    43. Which of the following is most characteristic of community theatre practice?
      a) Exclusive reliance on professional actors and high production budgets
      b) Participation of local community members, use of vernacular forms, focus on social issues and local relevance
      c) Only historical reconstructions by scholars
      d) Corporate entertainment only
      Ans: b

    44. Which method is commonly taught in actor training to develop dynamic use of space, weight and timing?
      a) Only textual analysis
      b) Laban movement techniques and Bartenieff fundamentals
      c) Only costume drawing exercises
      d) Only sound design
      Ans: b

    45. Which of the following accurately describes the role of a dramaturge in a university production?
      a) Only buying tickets
      b) Providing script research, contextual analysis, adaptation guidance and working with director and students on textual coherence and research content
      c) Making coffee backstage only
      d) Controlling house lights only
      Ans: b

    46. Which of these best illustrates a practice-based doctoral research question in theatre education?
      a) “What is the GDP growth of the theatre industry?”
      b) “How does devising theatre with adolescent participants influence civic engagement? — A practice-as-research study combining workshops, performances and reflective analysis.”
      c) “How many seats are in all Indian theatres?”
      d) “What are the colours of costumes used in film?”
      Ans: b

    47. Which of the following is an internationally recognised model of participatory theatre used for social change and empowerment?
      a) Kabuki theatre
      b) Theatre of the Oppressed (Augusto Boal)
      c) Stanislavsky’s ensemble method only
      d) Peking Opera
      Ans: b

    48. Which research output is typically peer-reviewed and considered academically rigorous in theatre studies?
      a) A blog post with no references
      b) Article in a peer-reviewed journal, monograph or peer-reviewed conference proceedings
      c) A press release for a performance
      d) A tweet thread
      Ans: b

    49. Which is a core component of an undergraduate theatre programme aimed at professional training?
      a) Only three months of study
      b) Theory modules (history/criticism), practical labs (acting/directing/design), production participation, internships and assessment via performance portfolios
      c) Only watching recorded films
      d) Only marketing classes
      Ans: b

    50. Which of the following actions best exemplifies ethical research practice when documenting community theatre traditions?
      a) Recording performers without consent and publishing raw footage
      b) Obtaining informed consent, acknowledging contributors, sharing outcomes with community, and respectful contextualisation
      c) Selling materials without attribution
      d) Presenting undocumented material as your own creation
      Ans: b

    51. Which practical training element is most likely to be emphasised in a children’s theatre workshop?
      a) Advanced stage lighting programming
      b) Playful storytelling, puppetry, role-play, simple devising and movement games
      c) Detailed costume manufacturing techniques for adults
      d) Complex scenic construction methods
      Ans: b

    52. Which institution is commonly cited as instrumental in professionalising theatre practice and pedagogy in post-Independence India?
      a) National Film and Television School only
      b) National School of Drama (NSD)
      c) Only private theatre groups
      d) Comics publishers
      Ans: b

    53. Which of the following is a typical indicator of successful theatre outreach in an educational setting?
      a) Increase in spectator ticket prices only
      b) Improvement in student participation, communication skills, curricular learning outcomes and wider community involvement
      c) Only more elaborate costumes
      d) Fewer school plays produced
      Ans: b

    54. Which one is NOT a sound research method in theatre education?
      a) Ethnography
      b) Controlled laboratory chemical experiments unrelated to theatre
      c) Practice-as-research (PaR)
      d) Archival research
      Ans: b

    55. Which of the following is most relevant when preparing a production for a multi-lingual school setting?
      a) Ignoring language and only using complex dialogue
      b) Use of translation, simple language, non-verbal storytelling, and inclusive participatory exercises
      c) Only using original language irrespective of comprehension
      d) Only imported texts with no adaptation
      Ans: b

    56. Which of the following best describes “forum theatre”?
      a) A classical Sanskrit performance ritual
      b) An interactive form in Theatre of the Oppressed where audience members intervene and propose/act alternatives to a staged problem
      c) A musical theatre format for kids
      d) A proscenium production with no audience involvement
      Ans: b

    57. Which of the following is primarily responsible for higher education accreditation and oversight related to university theatre programmes in India?
      a) National School of Drama (NSD) only
      b) University Grants Commission (UGC) and relevant universities/colleges under regulatory frameworks
      c) Film studios
      d) Theatre companies only
      Ans: b

    58. Which of the following is an appropriate qualitative indicator to measure impact of a theatre outreach project?
      a) Profit margins only
      b) Participant narratives, observed behavioural change, community testimonials and follow-up interviews
      c) Number of seats in the theatre only
      d) Number of costume pieces used
      Ans: b

    59. Which movement training approach emphasises economy of movement, precision, and codified physical actions often used in non-realistic performance?
      a) Biomechanics (Meyerhold)
      b) Pure Stanislavskian emotional recall only
      c) Only vocal training
      d) None of the above
      Ans: a

    60. Which of these is a valid reason to include theatre in the primary school curriculum?
      a) Only to train future actors
      b) To develop language, social skills, confidence, creativity and critical thinking across subjects
      c) Only to sell theatre tickets
      d) Only to prepare students for commercial films
      Ans: b

    61. Which organisation maintains lists of national awardees (Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards) and supports documentation?
      a) An ad-hoc private group only
      b) Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) under Ministry of Culture
      c) Only foreign NGOs
      d) Commercial social media influencers
      Ans: b

    62. Which of the following best exemplifies an ethical community theatre project?
      a) Using community stories without permissions for profit
      b) Co-producing a show with community members, shared decision-making, capacity building and attribution
      c) Outsourcing all creative decisions to an external director with no local input
      d) Using community only as background extras
      Ans: b

    63. Which of these is a primary consideration in designing a research proposal for PhD in theatre education?
      a) The shopping list for props
      b) Clear research question, literature review, methodology (fieldwork/PaR), ethical considerations and expected contribution to knowledge
      c) Only the number of performances planned
      d) Only the costume budget
      Ans: b

    64. Which technique is particularly useful in TIE for rehearsing real-life decision making and civic behaviour?
      a) Passive listening to lectures only
      b) Role-play, simulations, and problem-based scenario enactments
      c) Only costume painting
      d) Only scenery painting
      Ans: b

    65. Which term best describes the practice of documenting, archiving and digitising theatre performances and oral histories?
      a) Production only
      b) Performance documentation and digital archiving
      c) Only costume storage
      d) Only ticket copying
      Ans: b

    66. Which pedagogy explicitly integrates local folk idioms with contemporary theatre practice for cultural relevance and pedagogy?
      a) Exclusive Western conservatory training only
      b) Theatre of Roots / folk-informed pedagogy used in many regional training programmes
      c) Only film school curricula
      d) Only corporate training modules
      Ans: b

    67. Which of the following is the best indicator of a robust theatre research culture in a country?
      a) Only high box office returns
      b) Active peer-reviewed journals, research theses, conferences, funded projects and archival repositories
      c) Only celebrity interviews on TV
      d) Only fashion shows
      Ans: b

    68. Which of the following research outputs would most likely be called practice-led scholarship?
      a) A performance accompanied by a reflective critical exegesis submitted as a doctoral thesis
      b) A one-line theatre review in a blog with no evidence
      c) Only a costume drawing with no context
      d) A private rehearsal diary not shared academically
      Ans: a

    69. Which of the following is a common challenge in implementing theatre programmes in primary schools?
      a) Lack of any educational benefit
      b) Limited curricular time, insufficient teacher training in drama pedagogy, resource constraints and assessment pressures
      c) Too many trained theatre teachers available
      d) Abundance of rehearsal space
      Ans: b

    70. Which of the following pairing is correct?
      a) Augusto Boal — Biomechanics
      b) Keith Johnstone — Improvisation and status work
      c) Vsevolod Meyerhold — Theatre of the Oppressed
      d) Bharata Muni — Poor Theatre
      Ans: b

    71. Which of the following best describes a reflexive journal used in PaR?
      a) A ledger of ticket sales only
      b) A research tool where practitioner-researchers record observations, decisions, feelings and analytical reflections during creative practice
      c) A certification of costume authenticity
      d) A list of theatre donors
      Ans: b

    72. Which Indian organisation is most associated with the promotion of regional theatre and festivals at state level?
      a) Ministry of Finance only
      b) State Sangeet Natak Akademis and State Cultural Departments
      c) Only private film producers
      d) Only sports federations
      Ans: b

    73. Which of the following is the most appropriate research ethics consideration in theatre fieldwork?
      a) Using hidden cameras without consent
      b) Obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality where required, and being culturally sensitive to participants
      c) Publishing participants’ private data without permission
      d) Falsifying interviews to enhance findings
      Ans: b

    74. Which of the following teaching resources is most useful when introducing primary school children to theatre?
      a) Dense theoretical monographs only
      b) Storybooks, puppets, simple scripts, theatre games and play-based activities
      c) Only academic journal articles
      d) Expensive large scale sets
      Ans: b

    75. Which approach would you use to study the impact of a theatre project on community health awareness?
      a) Only secondary data from unrelated industries
      b) Mixed methods — pre-/post surveys, focus groups, qualitative interviews, participant observation and process documentation
      c) Only ticket revenue measurement
      d) Only costume sales tracking
      Ans: b

    76. Which theatre practitioner is credited with professionalising theatre training at NSD and bringing modern production standards to Indian theatre?
      a) Ebrahim Alkazi
      b) Rustom Bharucha
      c) Bharata Muni
      d) Keith Johnstone
      Ans: a

    77. Which of the following is a central feature of feminist theatre practice used in pedagogy?
      a) Reproducing patriarchal narratives without critique
      b) Autobiographical testimony, collective devising, critique of gender hierarchies and embodied methodologies
      c) Only male ensemble training
      d) Only rigid classical replication
      Ans: b

    78. Which of the following funding sources is increasingly important for sustaining theatre projects in India post-1990s?
      a) Only state grants
      b) Corporate CSR funding and private foundations alongside government grants
      c) Only box office income
      d) Only ticket resales
      Ans: b

    79. Which is an example of ethical community engagement in theatre pedagogy?
      a) Extracting stories and leaving without feedback or benefit to participants
      b) Engaging communities as co-creators, capacity building, crediting sources, and sharing project benefits
      c) Using participants only as unpaid extras for profit
      d) Only staging performances for external VIPs
      Ans: b

    80. Which of the following best captures a core objective of research in theatre education?
      a) Only making commercial productions
      b) Advancing understanding of learning processes, methods of pedagogy, and evidencing impact of drama in educational/social contexts
      c) Only copying foreign curricula
      d) Only marketing theatre shows
      Ans: b

    81. Which of the following is a key advantage of using theatre games in classroom pedagogy?
      a) Encouraging passive listening
      b) Fostering spontaneity, cooperation, creativity and communication skills among learners
      c) Reducing student participation
      d) Replacing literacy learning entirely
      Ans: b

    82. Which of the following would be the best empirical indicator for success of a TIE programme on environmental awareness?
      a) Number of costumes used in the production
      b) Pre/post knowledge test scores, observed behavioural changes, and follow-up community actions related to environmental practices
      c) Number of social media followers for the school only
      d) Box office revenue alone
      Ans: b

    83. Which of the following research outputs would most likely require ethics committee clearance?
      a) Analysis of publicly available archived texts only
      b) Research involving minors as participants in theatre workshops and collecting personal data
      c) Only reading classical plays alone
      d) Only scanning public posters without interaction
      Ans: b

    84. Which actor-training method emphasises “given circumstances”, objectives and the actor’s truthful inner life?
      a) Meyerhold’s biomechanics
      b) Stanislavsky system / Method foundations
      c) Grotowski’s poor theatre only
      d) Kabuki stylisation only
      Ans: b

    85. Which of the following best describes a “performance ethnography”?
      a) A purely quantitative study using only structured surveys
      b) An approach where ethnographic methods are used to study performance contexts and where the research may itself be performative or reflexive
      c) Only costume inventories
      d) Only ticket sales analysis
      Ans: b

    86. Which of the following is a recommended way to sustain theatre education programmes in schools?
      a) Rely solely on single-event funding
      b) Integrate drama into the curriculum, build teacher capacity through continuous professional development and secure multi-year funding partnerships
      c) Only permit external companies to run one-off shows with no follow up
      d) Avoid parental engagement entirely
      Ans: b

    87. Which of the following is a common form of dissemination for theatre research?
      a) Peer-reviewed journals, edited volumes, conference presentations, performance presentations with exegesis and digital archives
      b) Only private diary entries not shared publicly
      c) Only gossip columns
      d) Only ticket stubs
      Ans: a

    88. Which of the following best characterises an action research cycle used in theatre pedagogy?
      a) Planning → Action → Observation → Reflection, repeated iteratively to refine practice
      b) Only final performance without iteration
      c) Only theoretical reading without practice
      d) Only administrative paperwork
      Ans: a

    89. Which of these statements is true about theatre pedagogy at tertiary level?
      a) It excludes research skills entirely
      b) It integrates practice, theory and research including methodology training and production projects
      c) It is identical to primary school drama activities
      d) It focuses exclusively on box office management
      Ans: b

    90. Which of the following is most likely to be funded by a cultural grant for theatre research?
      a) A documentation and digitisation project for endangered folk theatre forms
      b) Only a private wedding performance
      c) Only sports events
      d) Only private parties
      Ans: a

    91. Which of the following is a recognized challenge specific to PaR (practice-as-research) in theatre?
      a) Clear signposting of research questions and making practice legible as research, assessment criteria for creative outputs, and ethical concerns in documenting participants
      b) No need for methodology at all
      c) Only purely numerical data suffices
      d) No dissemination required
      Ans: a

    92. Which of the following is a common indicator of collaborative pedagogy in theatre schools?
      a) Solo lectures only with no practice
      b) Cross-disciplinary projects, ensemble devising, regular production cycles involving students as practitioners and researchers
      c) Only theoretical exams with no practical component
      d) No assessment of learning outcomes
      Ans: b

    93. Which of the following is most appropriate when designing a theatre workshop for illiterate adult learners?
      a) Rely primarily on text-heavy scripts
      b) Use image, movement, role-play, story circles and participatory methods that do not depend on literacy
      c) Only assign lengthy reading homework
      d) Only use written exams to assess learning
      Ans: b

    94. Which of the following indicates good practice in archiving performance materials?
      a) Storing materials haphazardly in any available location
      b) Systematic cataloguing, metadata creation, high-quality digitisation, backups and access policies respecting copyright and participant consent
      c) Only keeping ticket stubs in shoeboxes without records
      d) Posting raw materials online without permissions
      Ans: b

    95. Which of the following is a formative assessment tool in theatre education?
      a) Final exam only
      b) Continuous feedback, rehearsal notes, peer review, reflective journals and incremental performance tasks
      c) Only year-end public performance with no feedback
      d) Only attendance register
      Ans: b

    96. Which of the following is true of integrating folk forms into contemporary theatre pedagogy?
      a) It should be avoided entirely
      b) It provides cultural specificity, rhythmic and musical vocabularies, ensemble models and community engagement opportunities when practised respectfully and contextually
      c) It replaces all modern methods and is mandatory everywhere
      d) It is only for costume design classes
      Ans: b

    97. Which of the following best reflects an interdisciplinary research project in theatre?
      a) A project combining theatre practice with public health education to examine behaviour change using workshops, performances and evaluation metrics
      b) A project only about box office data
      c) A project only on painting unrelated to theatre
      d) A project selling theatre merchandise online
      Ans: a

    98. Which of the following is the best immediate first step when planning a community theatre project?
      a) Booking the largest theatre in a city before talking to community members
      b) Conducting initial consultations with community stakeholders to identify needs, interests and ethical considerations
      c) Only writing a press release first
      d) Immediately staging a large commercial show for profit
      Ans: b

    99. Which of the following best summarises the rationale for including theatre in school curricula according to education research?
      a) Theatre only trains future actors
      b) Theatre supports holistic development — language, social skills, empathy, creativity, critical thinking and emotional intelligence — and can be integrated across subjects
      c) Theatre is only a leisure activity with no educational value
      d) Theatre distracts from core subjects and should be excluded
      Ans: b

    100. Which of the following constitutes a rigorous final submission for a PhD in Theatre Education using PaR?
      a) A video of a devised production accompanied by a 60–100 page written exegesis that situates practice within scholarly literature, methodology, analysis and contribution to knowledge
      b) Only a short tweet about a rehearsal
      c) A private scrapbook not shared or assessed
      d) Only a poster with no theoretical underpinning
      Ans: a

  • UGC NET Unit 6: Drama and Its Theories – Indian and Western – Performing Arts

    (UGC NET – Performing Arts, Theatre Section)

    It’s structured, analytical, and suitable for both conceptual understanding and direct exam preparation.


    1. Concept of Drama – Indian and Western

    A. The Indian Concept of Drama (Natya)

    The Indian idea of drama is deeply rooted in the spiritual, philosophical, and aesthetic traditions of ancient India. The Sanskrit term Natya comes from the root NAT meaning “to act” or “to represent.” In the Indian context, Natyaencompasses theatre, dance, and music—a composite performing art that unites all forms of expression.

    The foundation of Indian dramatic theory lies in Bharata Muni’s Natyasastra, composed between 200 BCE and 200 CE. This monumental treatise is considered the Fifth Veda (Panchama Veda) because it synthesizes spiritual, moral, and artistic knowledge from the four Vedas to educate and enlighten society.

    According to Bharata, the creator-god Brahma devised Natya by drawing:

    • Speech from the Rig Veda,

    • Music from the Sama Veda,

    • Gestures from the Yajur Veda, and

    • Emotions from the Atharva Veda.

    Brahma then taught this art to Bharata, who in turn instructed his hundred sons—symbolizing the spread of dramatic art across humanity.

    Definition and Purpose

    Bharata defines Natya as:

    “An imitation of human behavior, representing the actions and emotions of people for the purpose of instruction and entertainment.” (Natyasastra, Ch. 1)

    Unlike the Western view, Indian drama does not aim merely to entertain; it aims to educate, uplift, and purify the human mind.

    The five objectives (Prayojanas) of drama are:

    1. Dharma – Upholding righteousness and ethical duty

    2. Artha – Material and intellectual understanding

    3. Kama – Fulfillment of emotional desires

    4. Moksha – Attaining liberation and spiritual insight

    5. Rasa – Experiencing aesthetic bliss

    Thus, drama (Natya) is a form of spiritual pedagogy, combining ritual, psychology, and aesthetics. It mirrors the world not for imitation but for transformation.


    B. The Western Concept of Drama

    The Western notion of drama originated in Ancient Greece, where performances evolved from Dionysian ritualshonoring the god of wine, fertility, and ecstasy. The word Drama (Greek: Dran) literally means “to act” or “to do.”

    While Indian drama is cyclical and moral, Western drama emphasizes human action, conflict, and consequence. It represents the struggle of individuals within moral, social, or cosmic frameworks.

    Aristotle’s Definition

    In his seminal work Poetics (4th century BCE), Aristotle defines tragedy as:

    “An imitation (mimesis) of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude; in language embellished with artistic ornament; performed rather than narrated; producing catharsis of pity and fear.”

    The purpose of Western tragedy, therefore, is Catharsis — the purgation or cleansing of emotions, leading to psychological balance.

    Western dramaturgy tends to be rational, individualistic, and causal, focused on the moral, psychological, and existential journey of characters.


    2. Elements and Structure of Drama

    A. Indian Dramaturgy – According to Natyasastra

    Bharata’s Natyasastra provides an intricate system of dramaturgy that encompasses the structural, aesthetic, and performative dimensions of theatre.

    (i) Structural Divisions

    A Sanskrit play is organized into five acts (Sandhis):

    1. Mukha (Opening) – Introduces the theme and mood

    2. Pratimukha (Progression) – The plot begins to unfold

    3. Garbha (Crisis) – Conflict intensifies

    4. Avamarsha (Climax) – Tension and emotional peak

    5. Nirvahana (Resolution) – Conclusion with reconciliation and auspiciousness

    (ii) Dramatic Types (Dasarupaka)

    Bharata lists ten forms of drama, each with distinct themes and scales:

    1. Nataka – Heroic drama drawn from history or legend (Shakuntalam)

    2. Prakarana – Fictional or social play (Mṛcchakatika)

    3. Samavakara – Mythological spectacle

    4. Ihamrga – Romantic adventure

    5. Dima – Divine or war-themed

    6. Vyayoga – Short heroic episode

    7. Bhāna – One-actor monologue

    8. Prahasana – Satirical farce

    9. Anka – Religious or moral story

    10. Vithi – One-act sketch or minor play

    (iii) The Four Abhinayas (Modes of Expression)

    1. Angika – Body movements, gestures, facial expressions

    2. Vachika – Voice, dialogue, recitation, song

    3. Aharya – Costume, ornament, scenery, props

    4. Sattvika – Inner, psychological expression of emotion

    These four work together to convey Bhava (emotion) and create Rasa (aesthetic experience).

    (iv) The Rasa Theory

    Central to Indian dramaturgy is the Rasa-Sutra:

    “Vibhava, Anubhava, and Vyabhicari Bhavas together create Rasa.”

    • Vibhava – Determinants or cause of emotion

    • Anubhava – Consequent physical manifestation

    • Vyabhicari Bhava – Transitory emotions supporting the main feeling

    The nine Rasas (Navarasa) are: Śṛṅgāra (love), Hāsya (laughter), Karuṇa (compassion), Raudra (anger), Vīra (heroism), Bhayānaka (fear), Bībhatsa (disgust), Adbhuta (wonder), and Śānta (tranquility).

    Thus, Indian drama is experiential and emotive, aiming for spiritual elevation rather than moral judgment.


    B. Western Dramaturgy

    Western dramaturgy evolved through classical, medieval, and modern phases. The classical theory was established by Aristotle, expanded by Horace and Seneca, and later reshaped by Renaissance and modern playwrights.

    Six Elements of Tragedy (Aristotle’s Poetics)

    1. Plot (Mythos) – The arrangement of incidents; the soul of tragedy

    2. Character (Ethos) – Moral and psychological traits of individuals

    3. Thought (Dianoia) – The underlying idea or theme

    4. Diction (Lexis) – Language, style, and dialogue

    5. Melody (Melos) – Musical or rhythmic quality

    6. Spectacle (Opsis) – Visual presentation and stagecraft

    Aristotle also emphasized the Three Unities:

    • Unity of Action – One main plot, no subplots

    • Unity of Time – Action within 24 hours

    • Unity of Place – Single physical setting

    Freytag’s Dramatic Structure (Modern Western Model)

    1. Exposition – Introduction of situation and characters

    2. Rising Action – Complication and conflict

    3. Climax – Turning point

    4. Falling Action – Unraveling of tension

    5. Denouement – Resolution and conclusion

    Western structure is linear, based on conflict, progression, and resolution—an artistic reflection of cause and consequence.


    3. Classifications of Western Drama

    1. Tragedy – Concerned with human suffering, moral conflict, and downfall.
      Example: Oedipus Rex (Sophocles), Hamlet (Shakespeare), Death of a Salesman (Miller).

    2. Comedy – Focuses on social manners, love, or human folly; ends happily.
      Example: The Clouds (Aristophanes), As You Like It (Shakespeare), Tartuffe (Molière).

    3. Tragicomedy – Combines tragic intensity with comic relief and hope.
      Example: The Winter’s Tale, Waiting for Godot.

    4. Melodrama – Exaggerated emotions, clear moral division, music underscoring action.
      Example: Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

    5. Farce – Pure comedy, absurd situations, physical humor.
      Example: The Importance of Being Earnest.


    4. Major Dramatic ‘Isms’

    Movement (Ism) Features Playwrights
    Realism Objective representation of life; rejection of romanticism. Henrik Ibsen (A Doll’s House), Chekhov (The Cherry Orchard)
    Naturalism Scientific, deterministic approach; heredity and environment shape humans. Émile Zola, Strindberg
    Symbolism Metaphorical, dream-like imagery; inner truth. Maeterlinck (The Blue Bird)
    Expressionism Distortion and exaggeration to show psychological truth. Strindberg, Kaiser
    Absurdism Human life as meaningless and cyclical; anti-realistic. Beckett (Waiting for Godot), Ionesco (Rhinoceros)
    Epic Theatre Didactic, political theatre that provokes critical thought (Alienation effect). Bertolt Brecht (Mother Courage)

    5. Major Playwrights and Their Contributions

    A. Sanskrit Playwrights

    • Bhasa (4th century BCE): Oldest dramatist; realistic characters and human emotions (Svapnavasavadatta, Urubhanga).

    • Kalidasa (4th century CE): Poet-philosopher; refined poetic beauty and emotional balance (Abhijnanasakuntalam).

    • Sudraka (3rd century CE): Realism and social mobility; humanity beyond caste (Mṛcchakatika).

    • Bhavabhuti (7th century CE): Pathos and grandeur (Uttararamacharita, Malatimadhava).

    • Visakhadatta: Political realism (Mudrarakshasa).

    • Bhattanarayana: Heroic rasa and valor (Venisamhara).

    B. Greek and Roman Playwrights

    • Aeschylus: Father of Tragedy; moral and divine justice (Oresteia).

    • Sophocles: Structural perfection and tragic irony (Oedipus Rex).

    • Euripides: Psychological depth and humanism (Medea).

    • Aristophanes: Political satire (Lysistrata).

    • Seneca: Roman philosopher; revenge tragedy model (Phaedra).

    C. Western Playwrights (Medieval to Modern)

    • Shakespeare (1564–1616): Universal human emotions, poetic drama (Hamlet, King Lear).

    • Molière (1622–1673): Social satire and manners (Tartuffe, The Misanthrope).

    • Henrik Ibsen (1828–1906): Modern realism, women’s emancipation (A Doll’s House).

    • Anton Chekhov (1860–1904): Subtle realism, inner conflict (The Cherry Orchard).

    • Luigi Pirandello (1867–1936): Meta-theatre and illusion (Six Characters in Search of an Author).

    • Bertolt Brecht (1898–1956): Epic theatre; socio-political critique (The Caucasian Chalk Circle).

    • Arthur Miller (1915–2005): American tragedy of common man (Death of a Salesman).

    • Samuel Beckett (1906–1989): Theatre of the Absurd (Waiting for Godot).

    • Eugène Ionesco (1909–1994): Satire of communication and absurdity (The Bald Soprano).


    6. Comparative Overview: Indian and Western Dramaturgy

    Aspect Indian (Natyasastra) Western (Aristotelian and Modern)
    Purpose Spiritual upliftment through Rasa Emotional purification through Catharsis
    Structure Cyclical, symbolic, multi-layered Linear, causal, realistic
    Emotion Core aesthetic principle Subordinate to plot
    Characterization Archetypal, symbolic Psychological and individualized
    Endings Always auspicious; harmony restored Can end tragically or ambiguously
    Function of Theatre Ritual, moral, and spiritual tool Social, moral, and emotional exploration
    Spectator Experience Aesthetic bliss (Ananda) Emotional purification and reflection
    Acting Approach Codified gestures (Abhinaya) Psychological realism and improvisation

    7. Modern and Contemporary Relevance

    Modern Indian dramatists have successfully blended Natyasastra aesthetics with Western dramatic innovations.

    • Girish Karnad integrated myth with modern symbolism (Hayavadana).

    • Badal Sircar used Third Theatre inspired by Brecht’s epic style.

    • Habib Tanvir combined folk and modern techniques (Charandas Chor).

    • Ratan Thiyam employed ritualistic and spiritual elements in modern contexts.

    Contemporary global theatre emphasizes intercultural dramaturgy, where Eastern spiritualism and Western realism coexist. The synthesis of Rasa and Catharsis, Abhinaya and Alienation, reflects the universal search for human truth through performance.


    Classification of Western Dramas

    1. Tragedy:

      • Represents downfall of a noble protagonist due to fate, flaw (hamartia), or moral weakness.

      • Evokes pity and fear, leading to catharsis.

      • Examples: Oedipus Rex (Sophocles), Macbeth (Shakespeare), Death of a Salesman (Arthur Miller).

    2. Comedy:

      • Celebrates life’s follies with humor and reconciliation.

      • Focuses on love, mistaken identity, or social satire.

      • Examples: Lysistrata (Aristophanes), As You Like It (Shakespeare), The Misanthrope (Molière).

    3. Tragicomedy:

      • Blends elements of tragedy and comedy.

      • Life-like realism with emotional complexity.

      • Examples: The Winter’s Tale (Shakespeare), Waiting for Godot (Beckett).

    4. Melodrama:

      • Emotional exaggeration, clear moral distinction, music underscoring scenes.

      • Popular in 19th-century bourgeois theatre.

      • Examples: Uncle Tom’s Cabin, East Lynne.

    5. Farce:

      • Physical comedy, mistaken identities, improbable situations.

      • Designed for laughter and energy rather than moral reflection.

      • Examples: The Doctor in Spite of Himself (Molière)