The Play Mates

In the play,the group celebrates,but like a mourning. “The children conclude the play with their own stories of struggle with education,” says Kumar,who works extensively with underprivileged children in the city.

Vatsal Chhaya is a school that gives street children a chance to learn and live with dignity. Through theatre,these children get a platform to express their talent and emotions. Employing various techniques to get the children to open up,emote and talk is the challenge,admits Kumar. “Love and tenderness help them repose their faith in us,and theatre gives them a chance to channelise their energy and forget the tough environment they come from. For some,it also turns into profession,” adds Kumar,who made these children perform at Bal Mahotsav last year.

Elsewhere,NGO Hamari Kaksha is running a street theatre project,with children consistently being involved in theatre activities and acts. The NGO,which has many teachers on board,has been working with children,helping them get basic education and develop their personality.

Anuradha Sharma,the founder of Hamari Kaksha,believes in using theatre as a tool of empowerment. “It’s been a tough journey as most children had severe insecurities,low confidence and self-esteem. But with theatre exercises,games and music,we established a connect. Street theatre gives them a chance to perform and interact with a live audience,” says Sharma,and adds that some of the children are being given training to be part of theatre groups in various capacities.

The pioneer for “the stage of change” in Chandigarh is Zulfikar Khan,who set up Theatre Age more than 20 years ago,helping transform the lives of hundreds of children in search of a future. Hope floats at Theatre Age as ragpickers,shoeshine boys,and domestic and pavement workers find solace in books and plays. “Theatre gave them focus,inspiration and a drive to achieve and be an integral part of the society. They dream of a tomorrow,and passed the tests of life,school and college with persistence,” says Khan.

He adds,“I have been a hard task master,and I am proud that many of them now have jobs as dancers,artistes and make-up artists.” These days,Khan is filling out forms with six students of the NGO for college admissions.