The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : An effort to introduce children to theatre

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Tuesday, Aug 11, 2009
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An effort to introduce children to theatre

Staff Reporter

The AHA International Theatre Festival for Children will begin soon

Photo: Bhagya Prakash K

Learning fast: Children performing during a press meet at Rangashankara in Bangalore on Monday. — .

BANGALORE: The stage is dimly lit, yet burns bright with the enthusiasm of these children who confidently took centre stage to implore the audience, comprising presspersons, to spread the word about a unique festival organised for children. “Aha!” they exclaimed together, as they announced the first AHA! International Theatre Festival for Children, to be conducted in the city from August 26 to September 6.

Organised by Rangashankara, in association with Britannia Industries, this festival promises to be an action-packed event, specially designed for children as young as 20 months to 14 years of age. Twenty months, did we say? Yes, the most unique feature of this event will be a play titled “The great Lalula”, a “charming and well-researched production” for infants only.

And what’s more, the festival will host a workshop for theatre pedagogues to learn the nuances of this novel genre from experts from the Schnawwl Theater in Germany, explained Arundhati Nag, creative director, or the “Rangashankara aunty” as the children call her.

In their own endearing way, the children invited renowned playwright and chairperson of Rangashankara Girish Karnad to talk about the forthcoming event. “They’ve said it all,” exclaimed Mr. Karnad, adding that it was important that children watched plays and be exposed to the world of live theatre.

The 10-day event comprises four plays from Germany, Australia and Argentina, and three others from India. “Garbage Mouse” staged by a German group, “The Stones” from Australia and “Pirates’ Code” from Argentina, are a few plays that are on the cards. Also on this list is Rangashankara’s own production “Zapperdockel and the Wock” in collaboration with the Goethe Institut. Seminars, workshops and an open forum for children on “Internet and new media”, and a symposium on theatre pedagogy for children will be held.

“We are crowning three years of sustained children’s festivals. We request schools to enrol and bring their kids and be part of this experience,” Ms. Nag said.

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