Ahmedabad witnessed a delightful spectacle as the AHA! Theatre for Children Festival took centre-stage from July 18 to 22, for which five theatre groups from across the country gathered to weave enchanting tales for the young audience, reminding adults of the magic of their own childhood.
As I walked into the theatre, I couldn’t help but reminisce about my first play experience when I shifted from my small town of Jam-Khambhalia to bustling Ahmedabad. I was a college student then, and the allure of the city’s vibrant arts scene was undeniable.
Fortunately, the kids of Ahmedabad do not have to wait as long as I did to experience the joy of live theatre. At first, as an adult watching children’s plays, one might feel a bit disoriented.
The storylines were simple, and the actors wore bright costumes, exuding infectious smiles. But as I immersed myself in the performances, I rediscovered the child within me resonating with the magic of the plays.
One such production, ‘The Land of Mae Lilo,’ transported the audience to an imaginary world of two friends, Mae and Lilo. Their banter and stories struck a chord with the young hearts in the theater.
In ‘The Crying Village’, the children were encouraged to ponder a world without water, imparting a powerful message about water conservation.
‘Bags of Gags’ brought laughter and nostalgia to both children and adults, evoking memories of magic tricks and the timeless charm of Charlie Chaplin.
‘Just Hiss,’ another enthralling play, highlighted the importance of coexistence between nature and human beings. The final play, ‘Havn Ghara Asa,’ in the Konkani language, shared stories of games we once played as children, before cellphones dominated our lives.
The themes of the plays were simple yet profound, covering topics like the environment, games, toys, parents, animals, and even aliens. But as they say, there is joy in simplicity.
Organised by Neekoee Foundation and Ranga Shankara, Bangalore, the festival welcomed over 400 children from schools and NGOs each day.
In a city where meaningful entertainment and learning opportunities for children can be scarce, the AHA! Festival was indeed a treasured gift.
The inaugural day was graced by Arundhati Nag, the founder of Ranga Shankara, Bangalore, who has dedicated more than two decades of her life to the world of theatre.
Her question resonated with all present, “Gujarat main se koi accha natak kyo nahi aa raha?” While we may not have an immediate answer, we are grateful that at least the AHA! Theatre for Children Festival filled the void with its magical performances.
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