When Handmade Props Came Alive on Stage at Bal Rangmanch Mahotsav

Shimla, Oct 08 Ritanjali Hastir

At the Gothic Hall of Gaiety Theatre, the second day of Bal Rangmanch Mahotsav 2026 was not just about children acting out stories—it was about watching their imagination take physical shape on stage.

A handmade camel became part of the action, moving with the performers and adding a playful visual dimension to the story. Trees created by the children transfo rmed the stage into a living landscape, while handcrafted birds added movement and colour as the scenes unfolded. Simple, self-made objects were repeatedly brought into the action rather than being used merely as background decoration.

What made these props special was the children’s ownership of them. They had helped create the visual world of their productions and then learned how to use those creations as part of their performances. A cardboard or paper construction could suddenly become a character, a forest could emerge from handmade trees, and a small crafted bird could change the feel of an entire scene.

The six productions presented on the second day—Boodhon Ka Gaon, Muavza, Mini Jungle Plot, Vishwas, Yaadon Ka Button and Aakanksha—showed different approaches to storytelling. Across the performances, the young actors combined dialogue, movement, expressions and handmade stage elements to build their theatrical worlds.

The charm was particularly visible in the moments when the props moved with the story: children carrying, operating and interacting with their creations, turning the stage into something that felt handmade, immediate and alive.

Guest of honour Divya Jagdale, actress and theatre artist, appreciated the children’s energy, preparation and confidence, as well as the efforts of their teachers, directors and mentors.

With 12 of the 16 productions completed, four teams remain for the final day on October 9. But irrespective of the final results, the handmade camel, trees, birds and other creations have already demonstrated something central to children’s theatre: give children a stage and simple materials, and they can build an entire world of their own.