11 teachers to impart `theatre art' training in Goa schools

MARGAO: In compliance with the State Cultural Policy 2007, and to provide a boost to the popular field of theatre and dramatics, the Directorate of Art and Culture has recruited trained theatre art teachers at selected aided schools in various parts of the state.
Assistant director Ashok V Parab told TOI on Tuesday that the department has placed about 11 teachers at selected schools in all talukas for the purpose."Though we had sent circulars to all schools in the state, it was not feasible to recruit theatre art teachers in all schools. As of now, the directorate has selected a few schools which have shown interest," said Parab.
"However the selected schools are from all talukas. Every one of these 11 teachers will impart training to students of six schools each in the area in a bid to cover most schools," he added.
The aim is to impart education in the theatrical arts to students for better understanding of routine academic teachings as well as to create a passion for theatre in schools, explained Parab.
The directorate has already introduced music classes from last year in 125 aided schools and plans to introduce `children theatre' next, he disclosed.
Revealing the department's future plans, Parab said, "Though the government, through its cultural policy, has recommended making it mandatory for school teachers to undergo sufficient training in cultural geography, cultural ecology and cultural history of Goa, the modalities are yet to be worked out."
Plans to tap the potential of Parent Teacher Associations by giving them grants for specific cultural activities, besides plans to issue suitable guidelines and an ethical code for planning the social gatherings of aided institutions are also incorporated in the cultural policy that aims to project and utilize the culturally creative potential of students.
Thereafter, as per the policy, the government will organize children's film festivals and arrange screening of educational documentaries on culture as a part of imparting cultural education.
According to the policy, all educational institutions would be well equipped with books on culture, a public address system and audio visual equipment, while liberal grants to schools to organize study tours within the state for visiting heritage monuments and cultural facilities such as the Goa Museum and Kala Academy will be awarded.