[11] CURTAINS UP ON LEARNING: THEATRE PEDAGOGY AS A GAME-CHANGER IN PRIMARY EDUCATION UNDER NEP -2020

ARTICLE HISTORY- Date of Submission: Nov 16, 2024, Revised: Nov 30, 2024, Accepted: Dec 05, 2024, https://doi.org/10.56815/IJMRR.V3I4.2024/120-131

Abstract

Theatre pedagogy, an innovative approach incorporating drama and performance techniques, holds immense potential to transform primary education under the framework of India’s New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, socio-emotional learning, and inclusivity, theatre aligns seamlessly with NEP’s emphasis on holistic, multidisciplinary, and experiential learning. This paper explores the intersection of theatre pedagogy and NEP 2020, demonstrating how role-playing, storytelling, and
improvisation enhance student engagement, deepen conceptual understanding, and develop essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. While challenges like limited resources and the scarcity of trained educators persist, strategic interventions—teacher training, curriculum redesign, and resource optimization—can address these barriers. The findings highlight theatre pedagogy as a dynamic tool for bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications, fostering an inclusive, student-centred, and skill-based learning environment. The study underscores the potential of theatre to redefine education, making it more creative, empathetic, and aligned with 21st -century demands.