The Question Mark

Ever wondered why the sky is blue and the grass is green? Kyun Kyun Ladki ,a play based on Mahashweta Devi's story picture book,Why Why Girl ,finds answers to these and more. It is a journey through the magical world of questions, says director Shaily Shathu.

Ever wondered why the sky is blue and the grass is green? Kyun Kyun Ladki ,a play based on Mahashweta Devi’s story picture book,Why Why Girl ,finds answers to these and more. It is a journey through the magical world of questions, says director Shaily Shathu.

The author met Moyna,a young tribal girl during her work with the tribes of East India. She could never find answers for the many questions Moyna asked. As it troubled others,Mahashweta Devi penned an entire book on the child’s curiosity, says Shathu who specialises in children’s theatre. Shathu brings to life the inquisitive Moyna who is ever brimming with questions like ‘Why do I have to walk miles to the river for water?’ ‘Why shouldn’t I study too?’. The cast of youngsters above the age of 16 will be in the city to unravel the questions of Moyna. Though the book is set in a tribal village,the stage setting will be different. The play is a take on every child’s level of curiosity, Shathu says.

I read the book several years ago and instantly thought of adapting it as a play. As it has no linear story line,it was difficult to stage Moyna’s tales initially, says Shathu. It is an introspection for the parents of today who often discourage their children’s curiosity. If one does not question,how does one evolve?, asks Abir Patwardhan,production designer of the play .

Kyun Kyun Ladki is a production of Mumbai-based theatre group GILLO. We work exclusively in Theater for Young Audience (TYA). We try to provide children with an experience that is interactive,fun and which passes on cultural values, says Ishita Dave,project assistant.

It felt great to get into the shoes of a girl who asked limitless questions, says 24-year-old Sharvari Deshpande who plays Moyna. The play has dialogues and mime acts,accompanied with a live band of flute,violin,percussion and vocals.

There is a child in each one. Tapping into that and bringing the energy to the fore,Bengaluru-based choreographer Hamsha Moily worked with the team. “Choreographing for this children’s play brought me face-to-face with a child’s simplicity. It helped me learn and unlearn many things, Moily describes.

(The play will be held on December 3 at the MES auditorium,Mayur Colony)

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The Question Mark

Ever wondered why the sky is blue and the grass is green? Kyun Kyun Ladki ,a play based on Mahashweta Devi's story picture book,Why Why Girl ,finds answers to these and more. It is a journey through the magical world of questions, says director Shaily Shathu.

Ever wondered why the sky is blue and the grass is green? Kyun Kyun Ladki ,a play based on Mahashweta Devi's story picture book,Why Why Girl ,finds answers to these and more. It is a journey through the magical world of questions, says director Shaily Shathu.