Ashoka’s Black Box Comes Alive with School of Rock

On 10th and 11th April, the Black Box at Ashoka University wasn’t just a theatre, it was a riot of passion, electric guitars, and unfiltered dreams. ‘We Don’t Need No Education: School of Rock’, an independent production by the student-led theatre society ‘The Green Room’, took centre stage and delivered a punch of laughter, rebellion, and heartwarming truth that had the audience on their feet by the final act.

At the heart of the show is Debu, a washed-up, once-famous rockstar, who unexpectedly finds himself at Ridgewood High School, posing as a substitute teacher. But instead of sticking to textbooks and test prep, he introduces his students to the electrifying world of rock music. What follows is a whirlwind of chaos, charisma, and transformation, not just for the students in his classroom, but also for the audience witnessing their journey from the seats of the theatre.

This production is lovingly adapted as a tribute to the iconic film ‘School of Rock’. It is a loud, unapologetic celebration of dreams, especially the ones we’re told to bury beneath marksheets, college applications, and “secure futures.” Through pounding drum solos and bold confessions, we watched a group of high school students find their rhythm musically and personally.

The theatre was packed both nights. Cheers echoed, and students clapped along with each musical number. The performance also peeled back deeper layers. It wasn’t just about rock music; it was about how many young people are forced to live dreams that aren’t their own. The show struck a chord with anyone who has ever been told to “play it safe,” to become an engineer, doctor, or something “stable.” The storyline, where students begin as obedient rule-followers and emerge as bold performers who win a battle of the bands, is symbolic of the quiet revolution brewing in so many hearts.

The direction, the live music, the powerful monologues, and the sheer energy of the cast made it impossible to look away. The intimacy of the Black Box made every guitar riff feel personal, every note of rebellion echo louder. You could see people tearing up and laughing within seconds of each other.

The final standing ovation celebrated every dreamer in the room. For those who had once packed away their passions in pursuit of ‘practicality’, this show served as a powerful reminder: it’s never too late to turn up the volume on the life you truly want.

If you missed ‘School of Rock’ this time, you missed a movement. But the revolution of rock and self-expression has already begun, and it’s here to stay. Because, as Debu taught us, sometimes all it takes is a little music to remind us who we really are.

– Written by Chanda Kumari, ASP’25