Kerala   

Theatre for the young

`Chilanka kuttikalude nadakappura' is a theatre and child development centre aimed at developing talents and skills among children. "Our aim is to teach children to use art in the learning process.

"This is a children's organisation. We have branches in Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Kannur where local boys and girls are encouraged to join theatre," says Bichoos Chilanka, director of the organisation.

Chilanka lets the children take part in various stages of play production.

"Those with embroidery skills are encouraged to make costumes for the play. Children interested in engineering and technical skills design sets for the play. Those who have skills in communication and publicity are involved in making the brochure and other publicity material," says Bichoos, who, along with Sunilkumar Nagampara, had put into practice the idea of a floating theatre.

Now nearly six years old, Chilanka has more than a dozen plays to its credit. It has nearly 200 students as members.

Theatre workshop

Bipin S.V. from Thiruvananthapuram who is already in Kavulimpara, a remote village near Thottilpalam in Kuttiyadi in Kozhikode district, to attend the `All Kerala children's theatre workshop and play contest' organised by Chilanka from April 24 to 30, says: "The camp is conducted by children. All important functions from the team leader to the chef are handled by children. We also plan to bring out our own newspaper `Mazhavillu,' containing news of the camp," says Bipin, progamme convener. Bipin hails from Vattappara in Thiruvananthapuram where Chilanka has four wings.

The camp is conducted by children from Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Kannur districts.

Kingini Soorya from Kozhikode is the chairperson. Shafeek M.S. from Thiruvananthapuram is the team leader.

S. Ramanujam, Head of Drama Department of University of Thanjavur, will inaugurate the programme at A.J. John Memorial HS Auditorium at Thottilpalam on April 24. Experts from theatre will take classes at the workshop. Folk arts performances are organised as part of the camp.

"We also select children who are backward in studies and try to improve their aptitude through involvement in plays," says Bichoos.

Some of the plays by Chilanka include `Neelakoduvally pookkunna kalam,' which dwells on child labour, and `Swapnam swapnabhamguram' on how globalisation affects the children who perform circus on the streets. Another play, `Vittabhagam poorippikkuka' explores whether children are getting the right kind of education.

Chilanka will also organise a children's drama contest on the concluding day of the camp from April 24 to 30. Benoy Viswom, Forest Minister, will inaugurate the contest. Murali, actor and chairman, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, will be the chief guest. The drama contest will be conducted from 6 p.m. to 12 midnight on April 30.

J.S. Bablu

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