Artistic Director of Kosovo conducts Theatre workshop
SMIU’s Directorate of Students’ Affairs organized a virtual theatre workshop in collaboration with the Pakistan Arts Council Karachi at its Youth Development Centre on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. Mr. Kushtrim Mehmeti, Artistic Director of the National Theatre of Kosovo, conducted the workshop. Renowned for his expertise in performing arts, he engaged students in creative exercises that emphasized teamwork, improvisation, and interaction through virtual simulations.
The workshop provided a dynamic experience that encouraged students to express themselves in a collaborative and creative environment. The combination of virtual simulations and imaginative activities made it an enjoyable learning experience, boosting participants' confidence and communication skills.
Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, Vice Chancellor of SMIU, thanked Mr. Kushtrim Mehmeti and emphasized that performing arts are a reflection of life, recognized for their significance worldwide. He highlighted SMIU’s commitment to the holistic development of students, balancing academic and co-curricular activities. He mentioned the role of student societies, including the Art Society, in organizing various learning and training sessions.
Dr. Sahrai stressed the importance of promoting a healthy culture in higher education institutions through literature, art, music, and similar activities. He also praised the efforts of SMIU’s Director of Students’ Affairs, Mr. Muhammad Naeem Ahmed, student Ghulam Rasool Soomro, and other team members.
The workshop began with an icebreaker activity where participants virtually formed a circle and mimicked various physical actions as directed by the trainer, encouraging creative movement and easing them into the session. Participants were then divided into groups based on their academic departments to collaborate on theatre-related tasks, fostering a sense of community and teamwork.
In pairs, students participated in an exercise focusing on conveying emotions using only facial expressions, enhancing their non-verbal communication skills and emotional awareness. Another activity required participants to embody different animals using their voices and body language, helping them step out of their comfort zones and embrace creativity.
A coordination and teamwork exercise involved passing an invisible ball between participants, testing their ability to maintain focus and simulate actions without physical objects. The session concluded with a challenge where participants performed a continuous action scene without pausing, helping them develop improvisational skills and quick thinking.
At the end of the event, Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai presented a souvenir to the guest, while the Director of Students’ Affairs distributed certificates among the participating students.