Taking theatre to children from remote areas

Neha Saini

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, June 19

“The folk culture of Punjab still resides in the villages, its roots. That’s why it is important to nurture the talent, the skill of the next generation living in Punjab’s villages,” says theatre person Rajender Singh. The noted director has been organising theatre workshops for children, who come from remote areas of Punjab, especially border villages. Singh runs a theatre group called Dastak along with Amita Sharma, his wife and fellow NSD graduate.

The couple has held workshops in border villages including Naushera Dhala and its surrounding villages. “The talent we see during our workshops is brilliant. Since it’s difficult for kids in border areas to come to Amritsar, we take theatre to them. Believe me, while working with them I have realised how computerised the city kids have become, thanks to digital dependency,” says Singh.

“When we conduct our theatre-based exercises with them, asking them to improvise on the spot, enact a particular scene, its impressive to see their innovative ideas. They are more sensitised towards environment, more alive, aware of the social subjects and the level of motivation among them is higher,” he says.

Amita, who focuses on developing energy level of the performers, also works on personality development among the kids through theatre.

“These children need to be made aware of many things, such as children theatre, literature, technological advancements, current scientific innovations, training institutions of their respective interests,” she says.

The couple offers their workshops for free and is also working to create resources for the talent they find during their interactions. ‘Since we have to manage our own funds, we are able to hold two or three such workshops annually. But we offer an opportunity for the talent we find to work with us on theatre plays to encourage them,” he says.