A new playwriting residency for theatremakers hopes to churn out quality plays for kids in India
Four playwrights will be chosen for the residency. Representation pic
While a variety of children’s literature, TV shows, and movies have emerged in recent times, theatre is an art form that hasn’t been tapped into as much. We don’t see that many plays being written specially for children as compared to mere adaptations of the classics. Having recognised this vacuum, Kolkata-based arts engagement platform ThinkArts is launching its first playwriting residency online.
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Shaili Sathyu
The programme, supported by Parag, an initiative of Tata Trusts, kickstarts with a webinar on Sunday where noted Australian playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer will be present along with Shaili Sathyu, directory of Gillo Repertory, and Shailaja Srinivasan, editor with Eklavya Publications, to discuss the nuances of playwriting for children. The residency was conceived by ThinkArts founder Ruchira Das who witnessed Kruckemeyer’s plays at international festivals in the UK and Australia, where she found that the quality of work differed from that showcased in India; they were plays where children were treated with respect without being patronising.
Finegan Kruckmeyer
“We first thought of adapting existing plays but then realised that a residency would have a bigger impact in creating new writing from India. The programme is targeted towards anyone who is keen to know more about playwriting for children, although we are primarily looking at theatre-makers,” says Analina Sanyal, programme manager at ThinkArts. She adds that the webinar is a prelude to the three-month residency; post a Q&A session with the speakers, a call for applications will be put forward, the deadline for which is March 21.
Shailaja Srinivasan
During the residency, the four chosen residents will receive a small grant to pursue it as well as continuous mentoring and masterclasses. At the end of it, each one will have to present a script — four in total with two in Hindi and two in English - and it will be published by Eklavya Publications.
On: February 28, 11 am
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