7 new plays for kids this summer

Almost half of the 16 productions that are part of Prithvi Theatre's Summertime Plays for kids, are premiere productions. The Guide gives you a lowdown on what to expect

Over the last 19 years, Prithvi Theatre has hosted workshops and plays for kids every summer. This year, 16 stage productions will be played out through 80 shows, of which 7 make their stage debut this season. Here's what you should be catching.

Yatri's Dadaji Kahein (Hindi)

The play is about Dadaji, a retired colonel who is also the narrator of the play. He tells the children a story derived from his own life, one when he moved into his ancestral home although it was rumoured to be haunted.
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Why you should catch it: "We hope to revive, and remind children of the tradition of grandparents narrating stories to children.

The play is interactive; 10 kids from the audience will be chosen to come on stage to hear the stories and become part of the play," says director Om Katare.

At:u00a0 Prithvi Theatre, Juhu, on June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 at 11 am

IPTA Balmanch's Barsoraam Dhadaake Se (Hindi)

It's an urban fairy tale with a twist, set against Mumbai. Bansode uncle is the cranky, scary and child-hating landlord of Africa House. But as monsoon descends on the city, Bansode uncle's life begins to change.

Why you should catch it: "Barsoraamu2026 is a fun play with child actors taking over the stage. That is something the young audiences will relate to. We also have a dose of dance and music to make it interactive," says director Shaili Sathyu.

At: Prithvi Theatre, Juhu, on May 1, 7 at 4 pm and 7 pm, May 3 at 4 pm, May 23, 24 at 11 am, June 13, 14 at 11 am.

Horniman Circle Garden, Ballard Pier, on May 4 and 5 at 8 pm

Karnataka Sangha, Matunga (W), on May 16 at 7.30 pm

Funtoosh Players' Nikki Aur Vicky (Hindi)

Nikki and Vicky are siblings from a middle-class family raised by a single mother who is particular about the friends they make. Trouble brews when the two grow fond of Munna, a street child.

Why you should catch it: "The play hopes to change the mindset of middle-class children who are far removed from the life of street kids," says director Vibha Chibber.

At: Prithvi Theatre, Juhu, on

April 28, 29 at 4 pm and 7 pm.

Horniman Circle Garden, Ballard Pier, on May 2 at 8 pm

Karnataka Sangha, Matunga (W), on May 14 at 7.30 pm

Ranga Theatre's Pi (Hindi and English)

Even as a young boy, Pi has many questions about God's identity. The play follows him as he tries to seek answers to his complicated questions.

Why you should catch it: "The play is an adaptation of the book, Life of Pi by Yann Martel. Like the book, the play offers adventurous ways to find answers to a deeply philosophical question Who is God? We've
dramatised the concept by adding song and dance," says director Bijon Mondal.

At: Horniman Circle Garden, Ballard Pier, on May 9 at 8 pm

Prithvi Theatre, Juhu, on May 12, 13 at 4 pm and 7 pm, July 25, 26 at 11 am

Karnataka Sangha, Matunga (W), on May 17 at 7.30 pmu00a0u00a0

Naatak Company's Sutti Butti (Marathi)

This is Naatak Company's first production. It enters the imaginary world of a child, where parents decide to leave their children alone. Initially, the kids are overjoyed, only to realise a bit later, that they seriously miss mom and dad.

Why you should catch it: The play is all about giving importance to your parents. I might sound like a KJo film, but our emphasis is on importance, not love. Watch out for the animation that plays a part in the production," says director Nipun Dharmadhikari.

At:u00a0 Prithvi Theatre, Juhu, on May 14 at 4 pm and 7 pm, July 4 at 11 am

Working Title's Day I Met The Prince (English)

This is a sci-fi meets fable play, where an alien prince from a planet called BB88 lands on earth to find a solution to his problem. On his quest, he meets a school child who is misunderstood by his peers. Together, the two decide to journey the world to look for solutions to their problems.

Why you should catch it: "It's about kids celebrating their individuality and identity. We have a super talented all-women cast," says director Jaimini Pathak.

At:u00a0 Karnataka Sangha, Matunga (W), on May 15 at 7. 30 pm
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Prithvi Theatre, Juhu, on May 16, 17, 19 and 20 at 11 am and 4 pm, June 20, 21 at 11 am

Akvarious Productions' The Mystery Of The Pantomime Cat (English)

The Five Find-Outers and Dogu00a0 are off on a holiday and are looking for new mysteries. They encounter a theatre manager who has been robbed, and blames the Pantomime Cat for the robbery.

Why you should catch it: "The biggest draw is of course, Enid Blyton. Most young adults have grown up reading her but I'm not sure today's kids are all that familiar with her work," says director Meera Khurana.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0

At: Prithvi Theatre, Juhu, on July 18, 19 at 11 am

Venues

Prithvi Theatre, Janki Kutir, Juhu Church Road, Vile Parle (W). Call: 9220823834

Horniman Circle Garden, opposite Asiatic Library, Fort. Call: 9220823812

Karnataka Sangha, Dr M Vishveshwarayya Smaraka Mandir, CSM Marg, Matunga Road.
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Call: 9220823841

Ticket cost: Rs 80, Rs 100, Rs 150. Horniman Circle Garden shows are free

Ekjute's Jungle Dhoom.Com (Hindi)

Watch how Sargam, aka Nanhi Koyal, overcomes all odds to participate in the singing competition to be held at King Baaz Bahadur's court. Will all her effort bring her victory?

At: Prithvi Theatre, Juhu.

tickets: Rs 150