Bhubaneswar: A week-long theatre workshop, organised by Jeevan Rekha Theatre Group, a leading name in the state’s theatre circuit, is underway in Bhubaneswar.
Titled ‘Actlab’, the production-oriented workshop, inaugurated on Sunday and will run till January 11, is specially designed for aspiring actors, students, working professionals and anyone who feels drawn to performance but is unsure where to begin.
Around 20 participants have enrolled for the programme, which is being conducted under the guidance of Radhakrushna, an alumnus of the Madhya Pradesh School of Drama (MPSD) and a familiar face from Zee TV’s serial Bhagyalaxmi.
From first-time learners to those with prior exposure to modelling and screen work, the group represents a diverse mix of backgrounds united by a shared passion for acting.
Participants including Sushmita Pradhan, Subhasmita Malla, Simram Pattnaik, Subhashree Beura, Priyanka Pandey, Jagnyaseni Jena, Rasmita Dash, Ashis Rout, JoyShankar Mishra, Sidhi Ranjan Naga, Routela Srinivas, Gorekhnath Sankhua, Biswabar Das, Bipul Sahoo, Arya Acharya, Priyajit Behera, Arya Kumar, Jyoti Ranjan Sahoo, Mahesh Kumar Sahoo and Sanjeeb Kumar Pradhan are upbeat about what they are going to learn and experience in the coming days.
“Sometimes I feel there is an artiste within me. But I didn’t know how to bring that actor to the stage. Though I did music videos, I had no theatre experience. But when I heard about Jeevan Rekha’s workshop, I signed up immediately as there were limited slots and I didn’t want to let the opportunity go,” said Sushmita Pradhan, an entrepreneur, adding the workshop would help her master the finer aspects of acting.
“Since I want to be an actress, I want to learn the nuances of dialogue delivery, body language, emotional expressions, and, most importantly and build confidence. The first day of the workshop went very well and I am hopeful about the outcome,” she added.
Explaining her choice of the workshop, Rashmita Dash, who has walked the ramp, acted in a music album and was a finalist in Miss Universe Odisha and Miss Utkal Odisha, said, “I had heard a lot about Jeevan Rekha Theatre Group and its productions. I felt this workshop would help me move closer to my dreams. The first day was extremely informative.”
Another participant Jyoti Ranjan Sahoo said that the workshop, besides helping him shed his inhibitions and build confidence, would also give him a deeper understanding of the nine emotions described in the Natya Shastra, something that would stand him in good stead throughout his acting career.
Workshop director Radhakrushna expressed optimism about the participants.
“From the day one, I could notice the dedication and determination among them. They are very attentive. They are very serious about what they have chosen. Yes, they are raw but that is where the real work begins. Our responsibility is to mould their potential and bring out their inner strengths,” he said.
“To get their inner talents and qualities out, we are sparing no expanses. Our training focuses on breaking inhibitions, building confidence, understanding scene and character analysis, controlling breath and emotions, and developing spontaneity. Besides other methods and techniques, we are employing Stanislavski, Micheal Chekhov and Meisner techniques to provide a strong foundation in acting,” he added.
“As a production-oriented workshop, the participants will get an opportunity to perform in plays during Jeevan Rekha’s upcoming theatre festival,” he further stated.
The theatre group’s president Smt Chinmayee Sarangi extended her best wishes to the participants.
Founded in 2002 by a group of art and culture enthusiasts, Jeevan Rekha Theatre Group, under the leadership of Abhinna Routray and guidance of Smt Sarangi, has carved out a distinct identity in Odia theatre.
Known for its thought-provoking productions that blend entertainment with social relevance, the group continues to nurture fresh talent while remaining firmly rooted in its cultural ethos.
