Once upon a time in Rajasthan

The kids have been training since February

Since 2008, the Pune-based Swatantra Theater collective has been conducting drama programmes for children to not just teach them the tricks of the trade, but also introduce them to the various literary traditions in India. From works by Rabindranath Tagore, Premchand and Mullah Nasruddin, to the Panchatantra and Jataka Tales, the group has based several of their children's productions on stories from Indian literature. Now, in sync with the new normal, the group's programmes have transitioned online, and they're set to stage a theatre festival put together by children, for children, based on Rajasthani writer Vijaydan Detha's works this weekend.

Dhanashree Heblikar

Creative director Dhanashree Heblikar shares that the festival is the outcome of a training programme that they have been conducting for kids since February. "The workshops include training on acting, body language and voice techniques," she shares. About zeroing in on the Padma Shri writer's works for the festival, Heblikar tells us that they had never gotten a chance to touch upon the Rajasthani folk style of performance. "His stories are short, witty and humorous," she reasons.

Over three days, the children will stage three group plays and one solo act - Bada Kaun, Dujo Kabir, Fitrati Chor and Mehnat Ka Saar - that touch upon relevant themes such as the importance of hard work, equality, social welfare and karma. Apart from helping them learn the ropes of theatre, Heblikar points out that the programme aids children in the age group of six to 12 in becoming self-sufficient. "They are navigating the production process at home by themselves, handling microphones, costumes, setting up backdrops, etc. It makes them independent," she signs off.

On: April 16-18; 7.30 pm
Log on to: Swatantra Theater on YouTube