The sky is purple

Sanjna: Inspired by my grandparents who performed for school children both here and in Europe, we, at Prithvi, are trying to educate our younger generation through theatre which is undoubtedly a brilliant alternative form of education. But we are in no way setting out to make tomorrow8217;s actors. We are sowing the seed of love for theatre8217;. Through these workshops we are nurturing theatre audience that, by every passing day, is getting used to TV. And the objective is to build a child8217;s confidence and to bring out his/her creativity.

Raell: We are trying to bringabout a change in thinking, a change in how children percieve things, or rather give them option and the opportunity and not straight-jacket their minds, imagination or their creativity. Of course, this also leads to an awareness of creative expression through mime, improvisation, free flowing thought and lateral thinking.

Why is it easier to initiate children into theatre as compared to adults?

Sanjna: Despite being brought up with certain taste and appreciation for theatre, it was difficult even for me to open up. I had inhibitions. It was experience and work that opened me up. For, I was scared to work wrongly. But it is not that only children can be easily initiated into theatre. Even adults can train to be good actors/actresses. On the contrary, training can sometimes be detrimental for a child8217;s personality. At Prithvi, we are also planning an institute where trained adults including trained actors can come for riyaaz.

Raell: Children are more accepting, less conditioned,have far more time, dedication and discipline. Adults, on the other hand, are far more inhibited and pre-conditioned. Besides in most cases they are less likely to take instructions easily.

What is the concept of imagination, improvisation, games and fun in theatre workshops?

Sanjna: Theatre is not a party, it is a discipline. In these workshops there8217;s no letering, no coochy-cooing and no dressing them up and saying 8216;how sweet you look8217;. On the contrary, children have the responsibility of being creative. But rehearsals tend to become a mix of fun and discipline. Even I find them most invigorating.

Raell: The ability to improvise is a rare one indeed, and that8217;s what we try to encourage our children to do. By letting them think for themselves and using theatre techniques of fun and games we teach them to convey their thoughts through drama.

Is it necessary to categorise the workshops based on age groups?

Sanjna: Yes. You can8217;t possibly put them all together in one group. For,with younger children we can try wild techniques which I can8217;t with teenagers. They will have inhibitions. Also, we are faster with grown-ups than with smaller children.

Raell: Yes and no. When the age groups are combined the older children develop a sense of responsibility and leadership while caring and nurturing the younger children. For the younger ones, they have someone to look up to emulate. However, when we separate them into different age groups, we find that a lot more is achieved because of the difference in comprehension levels of each.

What are your approaches?

Sanjna: It8217;s mix of fun and discipline. No wonder a child, who was shy in the school, was talking from day one at one of the workshops.

Raell: A colleague of mine was writing an article on the Little Actors Club and titled it The sky can also be purple. This aptly describes our approach. We let the child8217;s imagination to roam free and fearlessly.

How are you different from others?

Sanjna: Forthe 12 workshops, we have five conductors. And everyone of them has one8217;s own style and field. Some of them have even worked with Satyadev Dube and Naseeruddin Shah. It8217;s because of their varied styles that a workshop becomes exciting and doesn8217;t get stuck in a framework. Also, we are training a younger crop of conductors.

Raell: Our workshops are performance oriented where we have a Performance Day for chidren, parents and friends on the last day. As in theatre, so also in workshops, they get to perform among an audience of their peers and strangers at very close quarters which really spurs them on.

Our subjects are both socially relevant and humorous. We also have evaluation sheets. Very importantly, we believe that each child is an individual and creative expression can never be curtailed or reigned in. These workshops are designed to offer students the opportunity for equal freedom, respect and responsibility.