Quills: The World of Words: Performing Texts: Bringing Words to Life

The real beauty and meaning hidden between the lines of literature are sometimes lost under the weight of textbook pages and explanations in classrooms.

Within these Halls Whispered the Wonders of Words

Thus, the Department of English, Osmania University and UGC XII Plan General Development Assistance Scheme came up with a fresh idea. They recently conducted a two day Innovative Programme for students, titled, "Performing Texts", 28-29 September 2016. Undergraduates from different institutions in Hyderabad participated in this competition. They were encouraged to perform on stage, the stories and poems taught in their classes.

The Arts College-A Fitting Venue

On 28th of September, 16 colleges turned up at the iconic Arts College to showcase their theatrical talents. The Inauguration marked by some inspiring words from the HoD of the Department of English, OU, Ms. Sumita Roy, Head, BoS, Prof. T. Vijay Kumar and the judges of the event, Dr. Murali Krishna and Dr. KW Christopher, gave way to the first of the three sessions of the programme.

Prof. T. Vijay Kumar addresses the gathering

Team Q.L.C.- Re-Imagining Love

This session began by a performance of Mark Anthony's speech from Julius Caesar by the students of Little Flower Degree College and a Slam poetry performance by the students of Villa Marie Degree College. We the students of R.B.V.R.R Women's College and proud members of the Quills Literary Club presented a Discussion Play based on William Shakespeare's Sonnet Number 116, Let Me Not to the Marriage of True Minds. It received much praise and appreciation from the audience.

Students from St. Ann's performing their play, "What is My Name?"

Students of Villa Marie College presenting Slam Poetry

"Lend me your ears!" : A performance on Marc Anthony's Speech by Little Flower Degree College

The second session consisted of performances on popular texts ranging from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, Edgar Allen Poe's The Raven, and Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.

"Better a Witty Fool, than a Foolish Wit"

Wake up, Mr. Scrooge!

"Life is either a great adventure or nothing"

The third session, began early on 29th and saw a brilliant performance on Hellen Keller's life by the students of E Thames Degree College. The audience was also treated to an enactment of R.K. Narayan's thriller, The Astrologer's Day.

In between sessions, the participants had a wonderful time interacting with each other, making new friends and acquaintances, and gushing over similar passions for literature.

New Friends!!

The marvelous campus of the Arts College barely managed to contain the enthusiasm and the interest exuded by the these talented and out-spoken Millennials.

Opinions!

Dr. K W Christopher- a gold mine of information!

The event also included a brief lecture on performing arts by Professor and co-judge, Dr. KW Christopher, which enhanced the participants' knowledge on expression and theater.

Registrar, Osmania University, Prof. E. Suresh Kumar

Valedictory was presided over by the Registrar of Osmania University, Prof. E. Suresh Kumar, who emphasized on the importance of expression in everyday life, in his brief, but enjoyable speech.

Very soon, room no. 133 held its breath as one, as the winners of the contest were announced.

It was a moment of great satisfaction and pride for the students of R.B.V.R.R Women's College- the flag-bearers of the Quills Literary Club, as they bagged the first place. for their deliberations on true love in this technocratic age.

Victory!

E.Thames college came second with their well executed act on Hellen Keller, and Villa Marie College took home the third prize. Special awards were handed out to various other acts, including the performances on Julius Caesar and The Raven.

Room No.133 Packed to the Rafters!

The Department of English, OU, deserves accolades for coming up with this amazing concept and giving the students a chance to be innovative, and discover the latent talents within themselves. The Department, all the student organizers, and everyone at the Arts College were the very epitome of the typical Hyderabadi hospitality.

Even between technical breaks, the air was full with warmth, music and lyrics. It was wonderful to to hear Professor Murali Krishna revive the melodies of Kishore Kumar and Prof K W Christopher evoke the passions of Indian ragas.

Dr. Sumita Roy- All Charm and Inspiration!

Quills Literary Club would like to thank Dr. Sumita Roy and her team for such a wonderful opportunity to not just perform on such a stage, but also connect with the
lovers of literature from the city!