Rohan Sengupta

Harlequin (Arlecchino) and Columbina (Colombina) - The iconic stock characters from the Italian commedia dell'arte (17th-18th century) This episode of Curtains Up! A Historical Perspective on Drama offers an in-depth exploration of I talian Renaissance Theater , examining its pivotal role in shaping the evolution of Western performance traditions. We trace the reawakening of classical dramatic principles and the significant innovations in staging, architecture, and dramaturgy that...

For most people, going to the theater is just a fun night out. But over the past few summers, I’ve seen how much more it can mean. I’ve directed and produced plays for senior centers, where elementary and middle school students performed live for older adults. What started as a creative project quickly became something much deeper. I watched seniors laugh, cry, and stay after the show just to talk with the students. It made me realize that watching theater can genuinely support senior...

Sanskrit Theater Moving east, drama in India had its own deep spiritual and cultural roots. Sanskrit drama, which peaked around the 1st to 3rd centuries CE, was heavily influenced by Hindu mythology and religious philosophy. Notable Playwrights : Kalidasa , with his famous play Shakuntala , blending romance, divine intervention, and nature. Sanskrit flourished during ancient Indian empires like the Mauryas and Guptas (circa 200 BCE–500 CE) and had the patronage of kings and temples. Drama had...