Shoolini students deliver spirited performance of satire, music, and wit.
Shoolini University’s vibrant theatre club, Shoolini Creative Studio, lit up the Tagore Theatre on April 25 (Saturday) with ‘Paracetamol’ — a lively adaptation of Molière’s celebrated comedy ‘The Doctor in Spite of Himself’.
Directed by Ankur Bashar, Assistant Professor of Performing Arts at Shoolini University, the production delivered a clever satire that questioned blind faith in doctors and poked fun at the absurdities of social life. The high-energy performance blended humour with a sharp look at issues like domestic violence, access to education, and socio-economic divides, making the centuries-old story feel fresh and relevant.
“This year, we chose comedy as a political act,” said Ankur Bashar. “In today’s world, the comic is often political and the political, deeply comic. Molière’s work continues to mirror the hypocrisies of modern society, making it ideal for a student-led performance that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.”
The play follows the misadventures of Sganarelle, a mischievous woodcutter who is mistaken for a doctor. What begins as a joke quickly becomes a whirlwind of confusion, deception, and unexpected lessons, leaving the audience laughing and reflecting equally.
Shoolini Creative Studio, the university’s hub for theatre, film, and performing arts, has quickly built a reputation for bold storytelling and creative experimentation. It brings together students from diverse disciplines, providing a platform to explore acting, direction, stagecraft, music, and production. The Studio’s productions often tackle contemporary themes through the lens of classical and modern theatre, encouraging students to think beyond the classroom.
In ‘Paracetamol’, the cast featured a talented ensemble, including Samarth Singh Thakur, Abhijit Nair, Dakksh Parekh, Rajat Sharma, Dibansee Rana, Sunidhi Deo, and Lakshmi Vasundhara Mamidi. The musical direction, led by Abhijit Nair and Lakshmi Vasundhara, added an original, live soundtrack that gave the performance an extra layer of energy.
The set design was crafted by Sunidhi Deo and Ankur Bashar, with lights by Ujjwal Kumar and choreography by Khushi Maheshwari. Prashant Kumar oversaw production management, while Shibani created the costumes and murals that brought the stage to life.
With its strong performances, vibrant music, and sharp humour, ‘Paracetamol’ was a spirited reminder of how theatre continues to challenge, entertain, and inspire.
April 27, 2025