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Join ISTA for a thought-provoking and practical workshop exploring what makes a play a “classic”—and why we continue to stage them today.

Designed for theatre educators and practitioners, this 90-minute session invites participants to examine how classic plays can resonate with contemporary audiences and reflect personal, social, and cultural contexts.

Led by acclaimed director Atri Banerjee, the workshop blends discussion with hands-on exploration, drawing from Atri’s own creative practice to show how timeless texts can be reimagined in bold, relevant, and meaningful ways. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on their own experiences as a lens for approaching classical material and begin developing their own production concepts.

The session offers powerful springboards for creative thinking and interpretation, equipping educators with practical strategies to help students express their unique perspectives through staging and design. Ideal for anyone looking to breathe new life into classic works while maintaining a strong connection to audience, purpose, and the world today.