A view from Krabi. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Aha! Sundays, a program started by Ranga Shankara, a theater space in JP Nagar, is releasing shows for children this year too. Initially launched in January, 2023, the program was planned to bring at least two plays for children a month and dedicate two Sundays for young audiences.
In two years, the program has seen nearly a hundred shows dedicated to children. According to Ranga Shankar, this initiative brings theater for children to the forefront, enriching young minds through engaging performances. Ranga Shankara says that by showcasing diverse stories and themes, the program not only captures children’s imaginations but also fosters empathy and creativity.
The summary explains Crabby as an intelligent character because he always thinks differently. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
community bond
“Exposure to live theater creates a deeper appreciation for the arts, encouraging children to express themselves and connect with others. As families gather to experience these performances, aha! Sundae strengthens community bonds and nurtures a culture that values storytelling and creativity, ensuring a brighter, more imaginative future for all,” the performance space said.
Ranga Shankara’s own productions in the last two years have included many plays including Circle of Life, Old Man and the Sea, Chippy the Chipkali, E Gida – Aa MaraAnd other plays by various troupes across the city have been performed under this programme. As well as showcases on the main stage, the theater space has hosted storytelling sessions, painting activities and more throughout the Sundays.
This year, aha! Starting with Ranga Shankara’s latest production on Sunday 12th January at 3.30pm and 6pm crabbyS. Directed by Surendranath. Suitable for children aged five to seven years. According to the production’s synopsis, the play is about how Crabby and the Stork, a crab and a stork, enemies turned friends, come together to save their pond, which was being polluted by humans. The summary explains Crabby as an intelligent character because he always thinks differently. And thus he comes up with a brilliant idea of saving the pond from the city dwellers who keep throwing garbage in it. As well as being interactive, this storytelling play is all about working together for a cause and saving the environment.
talking to The HinduSurendranath says that environmental protection is a community commitment and teamwork, and when it is a community commitment, it is important that the play be interactive to some extent, where children play the role of the fish. “It’s beyond seeing or hearing how intelligent Crabby is. His intelligence and how he uses it to save his friends and this pond is the part of the drama that cannot be revealed”, he added.
be part of the story
When asked how drama connects with children, Surendranath says that children also have a role to play in drama to some extent. “As long as one tells an interesting story to children, one does not need to do anything extra. Children will automatically become part of the story,” he said.
Talking about the challenges in bringing the environmental crisis of the pond to the stage, Surendranath says, “You don’t create a pond with real water, just like you don’t create a sea in a play. the old Man and the SeaIt is in a child’s imagination. You say fish and they admit they are fish. This is magic. There is no set to make an impact. In fact, it is a bare stage act. We just evoke emotion, and kids feel it and go along with the story.”
Ranga Shankara will also perform cliffAnother show based on Indian and German folklore directed by Michael Vogel on January 26 crabby On 9 February. Tickets for the show are available at Ranga Shankar Box-Office and BookMyShow.
published – January 10, 2025 09:00 AM IST
