Theatre Production
Aeternum – Where Life Begins
Date: 23 March 2026
The Department of English at Kristu Jayanti University, Bengaluru, successfully staged its annual theatrical production titled Aeternum – Where Life Begins. Entirely conceptualized and performed by II MA English Literature students, the play offered a poignant exploration of grief, memory, and the resilient nature of the human spirit. The production was staged on March 23, 2026, with two performances at 12:00 Noon and 03:30 PM at the SKE Auditorium. The narrative of Aeternum follows the emotional journey of Anu and her family as they grapple with the sudden and tragic loss of her brother, Aaron, in a road accident. The play skilfully utilizes magical realism, portraying Aaron as a lingering presence in Anu’s life—a manifestation of her inability to let go. Through their interactions, the audience witnesses Anu’s internal struggle to reconcile her past with a developing future, represented by her growing friendship with a new neighbour, Joshua, and her passion for dance.The climax of the play features a moving confrontation where Aaron’s "presence" urges Anu to find peace and live her own life, coinciding with the recovery of his body in the physical world. The production concludes on a note of "Subtle Growth," showing the family returning to a grounded, hopeful routine while still carrying the memory of their loved one. By blending domestic realism with evocative stagecraft, the students of II MA English Department demonstrated exceptional skill in both dramatic performance and thematic depth.
Annual Theatre Production
Date: 18 March 2026
The Department of English at Kristu Jayanti University successfully staged its annual theatre production, “Lucidia 2026”, captivating audiences with its creativity and execution. The event featured two performances at 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM, ensuring accessibility to a large number of attendees. With an audience of over 1500 people, the production witnessed an overwhelming response from students, faculty, and theatre enthusiasts. The first show was graced by chief guests Fr. Dr. Marialal Joseph CMI, Director, Research and Development & Director of the Centre for Global Networking and Collaborations, Dr Aloysius Edward J, Registrar, and Fr Joshy Mathew, Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) and Director, School of Humanities and Social Sciences while the second show welcomed members of management, Deans faculty members, and alumni whose presence added significance and encouragement to the performers.
Lucidia 2026 stood out for its innovative storyline, which blended elements from Tangled and The Sound of Music in a unique crossover narrative. The plot revolved around a fictional scenario where, without the author’s awareness, the worlds of the two stories merged, leading to an engaging and unpredictable sequence of events. Central to the narrative were Rapunzel’s journey to uncover the truth about her identity and Maria’s quest to find her purpose, both of which resonated with themes of self-discovery and personal growth. The script effectively balanced humour, emotion, and introspection, making it both entertaining and meaningful.
The production was widely appreciated for its strong performances, creative direction, and technical finesse. The cast delivered compelling portrayals, supported by well-designed costumes, expressive choreography, and seamless stage transitions that brought the dual worlds to life. The efforts of the technical team in lighting, sound, and stage management ensured a smooth and immersive experience. The audience responded with enthusiasm and applause, reflecting the success of the event. Lucidia 2026 not only highlighted the artistic talents of the students but also reinforced the Department of English’s commitment to fostering creativity and cultural engagement within the university.
Nyaynatika: Courtroom Drama
Date: 02 September 2025
The Department of English, Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be) University, Bengaluru organised a Nyaynatika: Courtroom Drama on 2nd September 2025. The Drama was led by the students of MA English Literature. The Drama focused on the “Santosh Singh Kumar - Priyadarshini Mattoo Rape Case” and the struggle for Justice. The drama revisited the landmark case that drew nationwide attention in the late 1990s and 2000s, highlighting issues of privilege, systemic lapses, and the resilience of the justice system. What began as a struggle marred by acquittal and public disappointment eventually became a turning point through judicial review and sustained public engagement. The case illustrated how persistent appeals, media involvement, and civic pressure can play a significant role in upholding justice. In conclusion, the performance underlined the importance of social awareness, the need for accountability, and the role of collective voices in ensuring justice. It reminded the audience that while justice may sometimes be delayed, determination and public responsibility can help rectify systemic failures.
Delilah - A Tale of Forgiveness
Date: 10 April 2025
On April 10, 2025, the Department of English at Kristu Jayanti College, Autonomous, Bengaluru, enthralled audiences with an original theatrical production titled Delilah: A Tale of Forgiveness. Entirely conceptualized, written, and performed by undergraduate students, the play offered a bold reinterpretation of Greek mythology framed through the lens of contemporary storytelling. Delilah traces the poignant journey of Apollo, the revered Greek god, as he finds himself enamoured by a mortal woman named Delilah. Against a richly imagined backdrop of divine conflict and human fragility, the narrative explores timeless themes—love, power, vengeance, and forgiveness. The script's emotional intensity was masterfully brought to life through dynamic performances and visually arresting backdrops that heightened the drama's impact. The production was skillfully co-directed by Mr. Joshua B (final-year BA English) and Ms. Shruti Sunil Jose (final-year Psychology), whose creative vision was supported by dedicated faculty mentorship. Noteworthy was the students' evocative set design and immersive staging—entirely conceptualized and executed by the cast and crew, reflecting their artistic commitment and collaborative spirit. The play received widespread acclaim from faculty, peers, and college leadership. Fr Jais V Thomas, Financial Administrator, commended the students for their inventive retelling of mythological themes and the emotional depth of their performance. Delilah stands as a testament to Kristu Jayanti College's enduring commitment to fostering creativity, critical inquiry, and artistic excellence. It reaffirms the English Department's role as a vibrant space for original expression and intellectual growth.
Sonance: Two Roads to Harmony
Date: 24 February 2025
The musical theatre performance, Sonance: Two Roads to Harmony, was a vibrant and captivating production presented by PG Students of the Department of English It successfully combined energetic funk music, 80s-inspired dance sequences, and a compelling narrative, the show took the audience on an emotional journey. It followed a band’s meteoric rise to fame, the personal and professional conflicts that threatened to tear them apart, and their ultimate path to reconciliation. The production skillfully incorporated powerful musical numbers, including If I Can Dream and City of Stars, to underscore pivotal emotional moments. With its engaging performances, dynamic storytelling, and evocative soundtrack, the show concluded on a poignant note, as the characters reunited in their home village for a heartfelt celebration. With its stellar performances, well-executed choreography, and a thoughtfully curated soundtrack, Sonance: Two Roads to Harmony left a lasting impression on the audience. The production was a testament to the creativity and talent of the PG students, successfully blending storytelling, music, and dance to deliver a memorable theatrical experience.
