Gillo Repertory Theatre (Mumbai)
An introductory workshop on ‘Theatre for Early Years’ was hosted by Goshtarang, theatre wing of QUEST, an NGO working in rural education in Maharashtra, India. The workshop was facilitated by Shaili Sathyu, Artistic Director of Gillo Repertory Theatre (Mumbai). Participants included theatre artists and early years educators working on various projects of QUEST, with a focus on early childhood education for rural and indigenous communities. The workshop included a brief introduction to theatre for 0 to 6 year olds in India and across the world; observation of children in local preschools; learning about developmental needs of children below 6 years; possibilities and starting points in performance making for young children; explorations using local poetry, objects, materials, illustrated books, etc. ‘Hanv Gara Asa’ (This is my home), a play in Konkani, directed by Sananda Mukhopadhaya and produced by Spinning Stories (Goa), was hosted on 19 and 20 March, along with a reading of Sue Giles’ message on World Day of Theatre and Performance for Children and Young People. The workshop was held from 15th to 25th March and concluded with a sharing attended by theatre artists, preschool educators and teacher trainers.
ThinkArts and Jhalapala (Kolkata)
On 20th March 2023, two members of ASSITEJ India based in Kolkata, ThinkArts and Jhalapala came together to present their much-loved theatre production, Enemy Pudding at The Creative Arts Studio. The performance was enjoyed by children and adults alike!
Bangalore Little Theatre (Bangalore)
This World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People, Bangalore Little Theatre (BLT) presented a story performed on stage to the children and youth of Shishu Mandir, an organization working in education for first generation learners from about 20 villages in the outskirts of Bangalore.
BLT performed Kabuliwala Calling, an original adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s well known short story of Kabuliwala showing the deep bonds developing spontaneously between a child and a grown-up stranger from two entirely diverse cultures. It is one of the strongest testaments of goodness of humankind.
The performance also provided an opportunity for two students to participate in the play through a walk-in role. The play was followed by a rich discussion with the children. They shared their thoughts on a story that has touched the hearts and minds of millions and asked many questions on theatre in general.
