Kohima College hosts literary immersive literary workshop on James Joyce.
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DIMAPUR — Kohima College, in collaboration with the Embassy of Ireland, hosted an immersive literary workshop titled “James Joyce in Kohima: An immersive literary workshop,” facilitated by Varoon P Anand, Artistic Director of Kaivalya Plays, New Delhi.
The programme was jointly organised by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), the Departments of English and Functional English, and the Music and Drama Club, stated an update from the college’s mass media cell.
During the event, Raymond Mullen, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Ireland, visited Kohima College and held a brief meeting with the college’s principal.
Mullen informed the principal that the embassy selects one Indian state annually for focused cultural collaboration. This year the state is Nagaland and the college has been chosen by the state, he informed.
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The workshop introduced students to James Joyce’s works through an interactive, movement-based approach. Anand led participants through exercises like reflective writing without censorship, improvisation, creative expression, sensory engagement, and generous listening and collaborative participation.
Drawing on Joyce’s short story “Eveline,” students examined themes of memory, family expectations, emotional conflict, and decision-making. “Writing prompts encouraged them to explore what they see, hear, and remember; what their families expect of them; and what they desire but hesitate to express.
“These activities highlighted parallels between Joyce’s Dublin and the lived experiences of young people in Kohima,” it stated.
Participants engaged in group exercises emphasising bravery, empathy, and shared experience. Activities such as “Clap If You…” encouraged students to recognise common challenges—balancing family obligations, navigating identity, and dealing with tradition—thereby reinforcing the universality of Joyce’s themes.
According to the faculty members, the immersive workshop offered a fresh and accessible approach to understanding complex literary texts. Students shared that the programme enhanced their confidence, creativity, and appreciation for Joyce’s work.
“The continued collaboration with the Embassy of Ireland represents a significant milestone for Kohima College. The college continues to promote interdisciplinary learning through initiatives that bring together literature, performance and global cultural exchange,” the update stated.