Extension Lecture on Evolution of Drama from Shakespeare to Modern era

Resource Person:         Prof. (Dr.) Gulshan Rai Kataria, Department of English, Punjabi University,                                      Patiala
Topic:                            Evolution of Drama from Shakespeare to Modern era

Organised by:               Department of English, Baba Farid College

Department of English, Baba Farid College organized an extension lecture by Prof. (Dr.) Gulshan Rai Kataria, Department of English, Punjabi University, Patiala on the topic “Evolution of Drama from Shakespeare to Modern era”. After the formal welcome address by Prof. Hardeep Mann, Head, Dept. of English, Prof. Kataria was invited to the dais for his lecture. In his lecture, Prof. Kataria traced out the trajectory along which drama has evolved over the centuries. He stressed that drama has become more complex and thought-provoking in the modern era. Elizabethan drama was character-centred, dealing with the evolution of a character over a period of time and through a series of incidents. It didn’t require a conscious effort on the part of the audience to comprehend it. However, in the twentieth century, drama has become thought-centred and has become a vehicle of raising issues related to life and existence. It necessarily does not provide solutions to the problems which are raised in the drama. Often, these plays are open-ended, with numerous interpretations as well as varied solutions to the issues discussed possible. The audience is required to be attentive and active. The stage devices and techniques of dramatization have also become markedly better and the playwrights/ directors use light, sound and other devices to create the desired effect. The lecture was followed by a discussion session which saw a wholesome participation on behalf of the students and faculty and a healthy, critical and lively discussion took place. Prof. Pardeep Kaura, Associate Director, Baba Farid College delivered the vote of thanks. The stage was conducted by Prof. Nishtha Mahajan.