Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) Theatre Skills Syllabus - Mumbai University 2026
This is the syllabus of the College of Social Work (Empowered Autonomous), Nirmala Niketan, which is the only college offering the B.S.W. under the University of Mumbai. The college has been autonomous since 2019-20 and empowered autonomous since 2024-25, so it sets this syllabus and conducts these examinations itself, and the degree awarded is still a University of Mumbai degree. The University last set a common B.S.W. paper of its own in 2019; this is the current document, amended in June 2026.
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Syllabus for Theatre Skills
About this course
This course is designed to introduce students to the transformative power of theatre as a tool for social change. By exploring and applying theatre skills, students will engage with the potential of performance to address societal issues and influence communities. The course will provide exposure to diverse theatre practices from local, regional, and global contexts, with a particular emphasis on folk traditions. In addition, students will develop a critical understanding of the ethical considerations and boundaries inherent in theatre-making, ensuring that they approach their practice with both artistic integrity and social responsibility. Ultimately, this course seeks to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and ethical framework necessary to create theatre that is socially relevant and impactful.
Course objectives
- To explore and apply theatre skills as a tool for effecting social change.
- To gain exposure to diverse theatre practices
- To develop a critical understanding of ethics and boundaries in theatre.
Learning outcomes
- CO 113 Explain the principles and evolution of People’s Theatre, with a focus on Bertolt Brecht, Dario Fo, and folk theatre traditions like Yakshagana and Dashavatari.
- CO 114 Analyze and discuss the role of theatre in social change, exploring various forms such as street plays, puppet theatre, and community-based theatre groups.
- CO 115 Demonstrate practical theatre skills by creating people-centered productions, including prop preparation, puppet creation, and performance techniques.
- CO 116 Engage in workshops to develop proficiency in acting, improvisation, scriptwriting, and direction, applying these skills to theatre for social change.
Unit I: Introduction to People’s Theatre
- Bertolt Brecht – People’s Theatre
- The beginning of theatre - Dario Fo
- Folk Theatre – Yakshagana, Dashavatari
- Puppet theatre
- Street play
- (Ekjut, Navnarmiti, Stree Mukti Sanghatana,
- Anhad and other street theatre groups)
Essential readings
- IPTA (2003). Indian People's Theatre Association – Oxford Reference. Oxford University Press.
Unit II: Process involved in Theatre for Social Change Workshops
- Developing people-centred production
- Team
- Preparation of props
- Preparing and using puppets
- Performance skills & voice modulation in different theatre mediums
- Workshops on acting, improvisation, script writing and direction
Reproduced from Regulations and Syllabus of Bachelor of Social Work Degree (2023), Amended 2026, published by the College of Social Work (Empowered Autonomous), Nirmala Niketan, which is affiliated to the University of Mumbai and sets this syllabus itself. Wording is as printed in that document.
The complete syllabus
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