Intifada 2014, Abhivyakti – the theatre society of Maitreyi College organised AKS – the 2nd stage theatre festival of the college on 11th March. Total five teams took part in the festival, out of which one was a non-competitive entry. Shri Ram College of Commerce presented their play titled The Nerd, Hans Raj College performed Holi, Ek Rishte ki Maut by Shivaji College and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Evening College (SBS (E) ) performed their two productions namely The Dark Room and A Birthday Party (non competitive). [caption id="attachment_21222" align="aligncenter" width="538"] ‘Holi’ by Hans Raj College[/caption] Dr. Manish Sharma, who also judged Intifada – the street play fest of the college judged Aks as well. Dr. Sharma is the Head of English Faculty of the college and a former convenor of Sri Venkateswara College. He said, “Street and stage theatre are two separate forms of dramatic art. Street focuses more on voice and subject whereas stage focus more on expression and matter.” Mr. Satish Mukhatib, PhD in theatre from Jawaharlal Nehru University was the second judge. Mr. Mukhatib is also the head of Jumbish Theatre Group. The plays performed covered the different genres of theatre. The Nerd by SRCC was a comical family drama where as Ek Rishte Ki Maut by Shivaji was a serious story of a post marriage relationship. The Dark Room and Holi by SBS (E) and Hans Raj College respectively talked about both friendships and betrayals. [caption id="attachment_21223" align="aligncenter" width="672"] ‘Nerds’ by Shri Ram College of Commerce[/caption] The two best actor awards were bagged by SRCC for The Nerd. Vishnu Sinha and Mitali Mehul won Rs. 1000 each. Their team was also declared the first runners-up team for the competition. Cash prize of Rs. 3000 was awarded. Shivaji College’s Ek Rishte Ki Maut was adjudged the best play at Aks. They were presented with Rs. 5000 in cash. Mr. Mukhatib during the feedback and comments mentioned, “Theatre sometimes fails to cover each aspect. The plays that had played well with lights/sounds and acting skills couldn’t deliver the message and diverted from the topic. Others that justified the subject couldn’t impress with the external factors. No play can work only with sounds, lights, acting or the subject. A blend of all this is necessary.” Image Credit: Anisha Shekhar]]>