In the annals of Kerala’s theatrical history, the Nataka Kalari movement emerged as a pioneering initiative that envisioned a new approach to theatre education, one that sought to institutionalise theatre training within a structured academic environment. Guided by the visionary leadership of Professor G. Sankara Pillai and subsequently by Dr. Vayala Vasudevan Pillai, the establishment of the School of Drama marked a transformative moment in the development of formal theatre education in Kerala.

Established in 1977, the School of Drama, under the University of Calicut, has grown into one of India’s significant institutions for higher education and professional training in theatre and the performing arts. The School has consistently sought to integrate the practical, theoretical, creative, and technical dimensions of theatre within its academic framework.

Over the years, the academic programmes of the School have evolved in response to changing approaches to theatre education and the expanding field of performance studies. The three-year Bachelor of Theatre Arts (B.T.A.) programme, which served as an important foundation for undergraduate theatre education at the School, was replaced in 2023 by a five-year Integrated Master of Theatre Arts (Integrated M.T.A.) programme. The integrated programme provides students with a sustained and comprehensive course of study, combining undergraduate and postgraduate-level theatre education within a five-year academic structure. The School also offers the Master of Arts (M.A.) in Music and Ph.D. programmes in Theatre and Drama, along with diploma-level programmes such as Music Therapy and Mridangam.

The curriculum of the School provides students with opportunities to engage with the history, theory, practice, and diverse traditions of theatre. It encompasses creative and technical areas including playwriting, acting, directing, scenography, design, theatre technology, and production. In music education, the curriculum is grounded in Karnatic music, encompassing vocal performance, musical composition, and related areas of study.

A distinctive feature of the School’s pedagogical approach is its engagement with both classical and folk traditions alongside contemporary developments in Indian and global theatre. Theatre is understood not as an isolated artistic discipline but as a form that continually interacts with and incorporates other forms of knowledge and artistic practice. Accordingly, the curriculum extends into allied areas such as yoga, martial arts, cinema, television, media, and other contemporary performance practices.

The School also places considerable emphasis on experiential and practice-oriented learning. Eminent practitioners, scholars, artists, and specialists from India and abroad are regularly invited to conduct lectures, demonstrations, workshops, and practical sessions. These interactions provide students with opportunities to encounter diverse artistic methodologies and perspectives beyond the conventional classroom environment.

The academic community of the School actively engages in theatre productions, short films, workshops, seminars, and other creative initiatives. Faculty members, guest directors, and students collaborate in developing productions that provide practical experience in performance, direction, design, technical production, and interdisciplinary artistic practice. The School has also undertaken placement initiatives and academic collaborations with institutions in India and abroad, creating opportunities for students to engage with wider professional and educational networks.

The curriculum has continued to respond to the expanding field of theatre and performance studies. At the postgraduate level, areas such as Performance Studies, Theatre Therapy, Media Studies, Communication Studies, Folklore, and Post-Media Studies have been incorporated into the academic framework. In the field of music, the School has also developed training and academic initiatives in Music Therapy, reflecting its broader commitment to interdisciplinary and socially engaged approaches to the performing arts.

The establishment of the Music Department in 2000 marked another important phase in the institutional development of the School. The department began offering postgraduate education in Music and subsequently developed doctoral-level research programmes. In the same year, the University of Calicut introduced the Master of Theatre Arts (M.T.A.) programme, strengthening the School’s postgraduate theatre education and expanding opportunities for advanced study in theatre history, theory, performance, playwriting, acting, directing, design, and theatre technology.

The School has maintained a strong commitment to preserving and transmitting Kerala’s classical and folk artistic traditions while simultaneously engaging with contemporary developments in world theatre. Its educational philosophy recognises theatre as an inherently interdisciplinary and evolving art form, capable of assimilating and transforming influences from diverse artistic and intellectual fields.

International and intercultural exchange has also formed an important part of the School’s institutional journey. The School has represented India at various national and international theatre festivals and cultural events. A notable example was its tour to Japan in February 2001, where the School presented Saketham, a theatrical work based on the Ramayana, in Tokyo and Fukuoka. The School also participated in an academic and artistic Exchange Programme with St. Martin’s College, London, during the academic year 2005–2006. Such initiatives have contributed to the School’s engagement with international theatre education and performance practices.

The School’s alumni have made significant contributions to theatre, cinema, music, television, mass media, academia, and cultural institutions in India and abroad. Their diverse professional trajectories reflect the broad range of opportunities and artistic practices that theatre education can facilitate.

Today, the School of Drama continues to evolve in response to the changing landscape of theatre, performance, technology, and arts education. While remaining rooted in the rich classical and folk traditions of Kerala and India, it engages with contemporary performance practices, emerging media, interdisciplinary approaches, and new pedagogies. Through its integrated academic programmes, research, productions, workshops, collaborations, and international engagements, the School remains committed to nurturing creative practitioners, researchers, educators, and cultural professionals.

The School of Drama, Kerala, thus continues its long-standing commitment to theatre and performing arts education—connecting heritage with contemporary practice, disciplinary knowledge with interdisciplinary exploration, and academic learning with creative experience.