Every year, freshers in Delhi University compete for a place in the top-performing college cultural societies. These societies hold auditions for freshers to ensure that they get the best pick. Some like the Kirori Mal College (KMC) theatre group even conduct a month-long workshop to hunt for talented actors.
KMC holds two theatre festivals — Sareaam for street plays and Curtains for stage plays. The college’s theatre group — The Players — conducts a month-long workshop to identify acting talent. But those getting admission through extra-curricular activities (ECA) quota need to go through several rounds of audition. KMC’s theatre group has a long history of 52 years.
IBTIDA, the dramatics society of Hindu College, is best-known for its street plays such as Kachde Mein Power Hai, Kahan Jayenge Bhaiya and Kyon Karen. The society, which was started by popular director Imtiaz Ali, also has a lawn named after it in the college, where members often practice. Those interested to join the society have to go through a two-day audition for voice modulation, physical strength, and acting talent.
“Being a member of an active society gives you a renewed sense of confidence and responsibility. We have had newcomers who were talented, but couldn’t present themselves or their talent confidently. After a year of active dramatics, they now have a stronger and more vibrant personality,” said IBTIDA vice-president Manan Madan.
Holding debates in a strict and structured format is the hallmark of “The Debating Society” of St. Stephen’s College. The society handles conventional, parliamentary as well as other forms of debate activities. Some of the acclaimed competitions where The Deba-ting Society has participated and excelled are “Muk-arji Memorial Debate”, as well as the International British Parliamentary Debate Tournament.
There are a variety of music societies ranging from core Indian classical music to Western music. But the western music society of Lady Sri Ram College for Women (LSR) — “The Western Choir” — is famous for its cappella performances. Though they cover a range of genres from Gospel to Indie music, their competitive piece is always a complex Jazz a cappella arrangement. “We don’t practice for hours and hours every day. We just have a 1.5-2 hour practice session 5 days a week. But in that time, we make sure to channel our musical energies completely and make the most of our time,” said a member of the team.
The western dance society of Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce, “Misba”, is one of the strongest and prestigious western dance societies in the varsity. Popular for their versatility and team co-ordination, their unique and comical style of dance makes the audience go crazy. However, if a fresher wishes to be a member of this society then they have to gear up for a tough time at the trials.
If a fresher has an ardent love for fashion, then Kamla Nehru College’s fashion society Glitz is the one, which gives a boost to the personality of the women from within through their looks. “The society is put together by fashion lovers and individuals that take every aspect of fashion seriously. We have been always appreciated for bringing freshness and originality to the garments and choreography because of which today we are a well known name in the fashion society circuit,” said a member, Ritika.
Gargi College’s choreography society Sparx believes in expressing the philosophy of life through the art of choreography. The members of this society don’t mind skipping their classes for their three-hour practice. To be a part of this society, the freshers have to clear three rounds of audition, based on dancing, choreography skills and expressions. Till now, their production, Spectrum, has been considered to be one of the best performances across DU.
