Theatrical treat for children

 
To be held from August 26 to September 6, the festival will see top notch plays from Germany, Argentina and Australia being staged in India for the first time. Along with this it will also see some very interesting productions from India like the Kattaikuttu of Tamil Nadu and Yakshagana of Karnataka.

“It’s time parents and teachers helped the children move out of television and allow them to see some live theatre which would help stimulate curiosity among them,” said Arundhati Nag at a special preview of the festival.

One of the highlights of the festival is the play, The Great Lalula by the Schnawwl Theatre Mannheim’s (Germany) production for 20-month infants. Apart from just showcasing the play, Ranga Shankara has also scheduled a workshop for Pedagogues from around India to learn the craft from the creators of the play. “This way we hope to soon start an Indian chapter as well,” added Arundhati. In addition to this, the festival will open with a Kannada play Lakshapati Rajana Kathe, directed by B Jayashree and conclude with the premiere of Zapperdockel and the Wock, directed by Wally and Paul Schmidt of Nurnberg, Germany. Popular in-house productions like Gumma Banda Gumma and the First Leaf will also be presented.

“Through this festival, we would like to target as many children as possible. Ranga Shankara will reach out to schools to send the children to the School only shows in the mornings,” said theatre personality Girish Karnad.

An hour long theatre and music extravaganza by children will open the festival on August 26 at 6 pm and throughout the festival there will be performances by children before the shows. As for the ‘School only’ shows, schools can write to [e-mail] for bookings.  For evening shows tickets will be available at Ranga Shankara and Daily Bread outlets from August 18 onwards or book online at www.indianstage.in