The Hindu : New Delhi News : Staging a fairytale

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Aug 04, 2006

New Delhi

New Delhi

Staging a fairytale

Slum children of Kanak Durga in R.K. Puram will stage a musical performance at Delhi Tamil Sangam Auditorium in R.K. Puram here on Friday. Titled "Ek Chhoti Si Fairytale", this one-of-a-kind production is being organised by Asha. It is the brainchild of Harvard University students who have come the United States to volunteer at Asha during their summer break.

For children living in six feet by eight feet mud huts and brought up in an environment where they are left to fend for themselves, it was a difficult task to stage a play and that too in English. But children of Kanak Durga were not disheartened and dissuaded by this stark fact. Instead, with their intelligence, enthusiasm and dedication, they mastered the English language and also honed their theatrical skills. By learning spoken and written English through the production in the past few months, the children have put their time and energy to constructive use.

Coming from slums where English is an alien language, the musical has been an extraordinary experience for the children who have gained tremendous confidence.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit will be the chief guest, while area MLA Barkha Singh will preside over the programme. Deputy Chief of Mission of the Irish Embassy Pat Bourne and Deputy High Commissioner at New Zealand High Commission Heather Ward, both supporting the cause of Asha, will also be guests of honour on the occasion. - Madhur Tankha

- Madhur Tankha

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