Israeli director showcases silent play for toddlers

Israeli director Elinor Agam Ben-David, who specialises in scripting dramas for toddlers sans the use of any language has recently showcased one such non-verbal play here combining music, animation and puppetry.
Agam's recent play 'The Butterfly Kiss' narrates the story of a young girl who catches butterflies in a container and decides to let them free but only after getting a kiss from the last butterfly.
"I feel great to be a part of this venture. I thank the director for having given me this opportunity. I don't require any extra preparation except for some exercise. I wish to perform more in India because I love the wild and crazy response of the children," says actress Hagar Tishman.

Tishman made use of a variety of props like toys and puppets and shadows to involve children in the audience upto the age of two in the performance.
Director, Agam, says she began doing such performances when her son was just one-and-half-year old.
"I thought that all children-based shows are for kids above three years but there is nothing for children below that age. That is how I came up with this new idea to connect to with the kids," Agam told PTI.

"Since my son was also of the same age group, it became easier for me to understand the psychology of the kids. I believe that theatre is all about experiencing the visual side. It should connect to the emotions rather than the mind," says the Tel-Aviv based director.

Agam, who speaks Hebrew, French, Spanish, and English has so far done more than 100 shows in various countries like Israel and Japan as well as inside India in cities like Chennai and Bangalore. The event in Delhi was the eighth this year in the country.
Agam has planned more shows with different props like balloons and says she plans to do shows in Mumbai.
The director, who has previously created shows for autistic children says she tends to provide a source of expression to children who otherwise are unable to speak.