The semesterly tradition of ENG114 drama and trauma
Each semester, students of “ENG114: Introduction to English Drama” organise a stage play as part of their course assessment, which takes place at the lecture theatres of Brac University. Students from any department are welcome to spectate.
This was not the case just three years ago, however. Before Summer 2023, the plays were confined to the classrooms of the Mohakhali campus. Samirah Tabassum (Senior Lecturer, ENH) brought the performances to the UB2 Auditorium, allowing for any outside student to attend. After the shift to the Badda permanent campus in 2024, the ENG114 drama has become one of the few communal experiences that successfully made the transition from Mohakhali campus. Reflecting on her journey with the course, Tabassum notes the rising popularity of the course, “When I first began teaching it, we offered only two sections, and now we need to offer five.” She hopes to teach at least one section in the upcoming semester.
Today, most of the heavy lifting is done by the students themselves. As a first-year course that is also open to everyone as a COD, ENG114 is a prime destination for innovation by freshmen and students outside the English department. This past semester, performers dressed as Theban citizens walked around campus chanting and beckoning students to the play. Students show up in droves, packing the theatre to the point where latecomers have to watch standing. Saif Shelim (Sophomore, MNS) reflects on his experience: “Honestly I was expecting less people. I was pleasantly surprised to see that most seats were full.” His show ended at 7:30 pm, with a packed theatre despite the odd hour and fatigue of the day.
For many participants, the experience goes beyond grades. Sheikh Mehrin (Sophomore, ENH) attests to this: “I used to have stage fright, but after my performance, I believe I can tear down the curtains of fear.” The stage performance is an excellent tool to prepare freshmen and sophomores to get into the groove presenting in front of classmates. One of the biggest draws of these plays is the source material. The eccentric nature of classical drama is already a novelty to people who are not familiar with something like a Greek tragedy. Add to this something like that plot twist from Oedipus Rex, and you have a semesterly tradition of Sophocles traumatising unsuspecting students. One student during a particular performance
held the Martin Scorsese “Absolute Cinema” pose for a solid 20 seconds after the reveal. Very few BracU communal experiences can produce a reaction of this calibre.
BracU students failed to carry over most traditions from Mohakhali campus — namely the UB2 cafeteria music sessions. The ENG114 dramas are one of the few communal experiences remaining. The easiest way to help keep this alive is to show up each semester and cheer for our fellow juniors.
