Verse Drama: A Dramatic Rendition of Poems
“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.” Maya Angelou
A poem is a form of expression, which often reflects life in motion with its rhythm and rhyme. The hidden meanings in the verses cajoles the mind to interpret and read between the lines. Considering the magic that a student can manifest through the words and imagery of a poem, the Diamond Jubilee High School, Mumbai (managed by the Aga Khan Education Service, India) held a Poetry Dramatization Competition for Grades 3 to 5. It sought to provide students with the opportunity to enhance their comprehension skills, sharpen their memories, improve their phonemic awareness, as well as create a platform for them to express themselves through poetry.
On the day of the competition, the students were excited and put on a spirited performance. Each grade was given an hour to perform their poems chosen from the following themes - celebration, nature, freedom, humour and journey. Teachers evaluated students on five parameters - choice of poem, expression, diction and clarity, props and gestures. The poems recited by students included Sick by Shel Silverstein and Computer Swallowed my Grandma by Valerie Waite.
Amaan Ghare, who won the first place in Grade 5, remarked, “I am thankful for getting an opportunity to participate in the competition. My poem about Mahatma Gandhi inspired me.” Parents also praised the opportunity provided by the school as well as the efforts of the students, and shared the excitement the competition generated at home. A parent, Ms. Samina Petiwala, said, “The poetry dramatization was a fabulous event. It gave my kids the opportunity to perform and explore their talent on a different platform. It was fun, not just for the kids, but for the parents too!”
This event aimed to encourage students to engage with the varied skills in the English Language in a creative manner. Through every poem read and dramatized, students courageously shared their renditions of poems and shed their inhibitions to give voice to the creative word play of celebrated poets.
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- Winners of the Poetry Dramatization Competition at the Diamond Jubilee High School, Mumbai
