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Journalism of Courage
Friend,mentor,teacher and director 29-year-old Chakresh is playing a variety of roles as he sets the stage for a new theatre production. This one involves a motley group of 11 children of Vatsal Chhaya,a school that gives street children a chance to learn and live with dignity. Through theatre,the children,in the age group of six to 14 years,are getting a platform to express their creativity,talent and emotions. By far,its the most challenging and fulfilling assignment as a director. These children need to be handled tenderly and like a psychologist,for they come from an environment which is tough and emotionally draining. They are bright and talented,but their energies need to be channelised. We are helping them through theatre, says Chakresh,who runs his theatre group Alankaar Theatre and works with economically and socially less privileged children.
As for the young actors,they are gearing up for a brand new experience and are absolutely excited about performing for the Bal Mahotsav,a national theatre festival for children that will be held in Patna. Hosted by the organisation Kilkari,the festival, which will start on March 20,will see productions from all over the country.
The play that Chakresh has chosen for the children is based on a satire by Hari Shankar Parsai titled Ek Aadmi Ke Bheetar Do Aadmi (One Or The Part Of Two) and is the story of a man who has a dual personality and constantly grapples with his
extreme responses towards people,emotions and situations. How he reflects on his personality in relation to his environment,upbringing,work and society,is the basic theme of the play and it mirrors myriad emotions. Chakresh agrees that the theme may be a little tough for a childrens production,but the variety of situations as the play takes the audience on a journey with the central character gives the children a chance to emote and play various characters and realise many perspectives. Its a musical,with songs and a lot of body movement. Two of my young actors play the dholki and chimta (both indigenous musical instruments) and one of the young boys sings live Rajasthani folk songs, says Chakresh,adding that he hopes this production will give children the freedom to express their emotions positively.
Breaking stiffness,mental barriers,building confidence,helping them be themselves,work as a team,feel a part of a world thats filled with creativity and fantasy Chakresh says the idea is not to make actors,but give these children a chance to have fun,feel special and get away from the drudgery and trying circumstances of their lives. With many of them formerly working as child labourers,Sangeeta Vardhan,the soul behind Vatsal Chhaya,is now penning down a script on child labour,which will enable children to tell their own story and feelings through a play. We want to present it in schools,streets and public places. Its a good beginning, says Chakresh.
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