Children’s Theatre Festival 2024 to Enchant Shimla with Himachal’s Tales
2 min read
Shimla is abuzz with anticipation as the upcoming Children’s Theatre Festival 2024, organized by Keekli Charitable Trust, is set to grace the historic Gaiety Theatre from September 27th to 29th. This three-day cultural extravaganza, a sequel to the successful Season One held in October 2023, promises to captivate audiences with fifteen spellbinding short plays. Each play is a vibrant adaptation of Himachal’s rich literary heritage, penned by local writers and brought to life by talented school students.
The festival kicked off with a skill-building workshop for teachers from participating schools, hosted at the Gaiety Theatre Complex. The morning sessions featured enlightening talks by the esteemed Core Team members Sh Srinivas Joshi, Amala Rai, and Jawahar Kaul. Sh Joshi shared insights on transforming stories into scripts, emphasizing creative adaptation and powerful dialogue writing. Jawahar Kaul then explored the nuances of play script elements, focusing on character visualization and overall adaptation strategies.
In the afternoon, Amala Rai demonstrated the practical aspects of theatre performance, showcasing techniques such as visual effects, stage layout, and effective dialogue delivery. Her engaging presentation inspired participants and set the stage for dynamic rehearsals ahead.
The creative direction for the festival will be helmed by Kedar Thakur, Rupesh Bhimta, Sohan Kapoor, Naresk K Mincha, Neeraj Prashar, and Sanjeev Arora. These directors will collaborate closely with school teams to refine performances and ensure each play dazzles on stage.
A highlight of the festival will be the performance of Manav Kaul’s “PARK,” directed by Sohaila Kapur in collaboration with the Three Arts Club and Katyayani. This addition promises to elevate the festival’s cultural offerings and showcase diverse theatrical talent.
The participating school teams, including Blue Bells School, Saraswati Paradise International School, Swaran Public School, and many others from across Himachal, are gearing up to showcase their creativity and passion for theatre.
The festival’s success is indebted to its supporters: the Language & Culture Department, SJVN Limited, media partner HimachalTonite, Abhivyakti, Bliss Bites, Brews & Books Café, and Keekli Media Channel, whose unwavering support has made this cultural celebration possible.
