Words that speak right to heart

Kahaani Festival

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, December 5

Children and performers gave wings to their creativity today. A two-day Kahaani Festival being organised at Delhi Public School brought a new vividness to the dying art of storytelling as performers and participants both used their imagination and creative skills to create and learn art, music, dance and present their stories in an appealing way.

Storytelling comprised many elements, including narration, writing, animation and traditional forms of illustration. Personal stories were explored and shared through festival workshops of nagada, Indian kettle drums and dance, quilling, origami, cartooning, puppet making and a variety of craft workshops. More than 10 such activities were organised throughout the day for different age groups.

It was an opportunity for children to express, find their voice, explore and engage creatively, according to a participant.

The puppet theatre unveiled the art of storytelling and a unique opportunity for children to learn stories through the art of puppets. Presented by Aakaar Puppet Theatre, the old art of puppets was enjoyed by participants. Both traditional Rajasthani and contemporary styles of puppetry, including rod, string and shadow puppets, brought stories to life.

Cat Weatherill, Big Mo and Jaishree Sethi used their experience, narrative skills to paint vividly the imagination of the audience through their stories. Rahul Kharbanda bemused and surprised youngsters with his Hocus Pocus Magic Show.

Shakespeare’s play As You Like It was presented by Eide Aisle Production in the 'Story Hall' section while 'Dastan-e-Chouboli' was presented by Nadeem and Manu. Gangan Misra presented 'Improv Stories'.

Frenchman Gilles Chuyen presented a dance story. 'Spell Binding Stories' were lapped up by the young audience. 'Fun With Cartoons Workshop' was held by Ajit Narayan, who apprised the youngsters of the art of cartoon making.

Girls loved rolling strips of paper to create beautiful artworks in the paper quilling workshops. Papers were also loved by youngsters as Nalini created various shapes, forms using her expertise in origami. A 'Music Room Nagada Fun Workshop on the Indian kettle drums by Nathoo Lal Solanki was about the musical stories.

The festival has given children a platform to give lend voice to their imagination. The festival is open for all.