National School of Drama offers theatre fest for children

A range of dramas in 12 languages is set to be showcased at the upcoming theatre festival for children by the National School of Drama here.
Plays from 18 states including works of directors like Swatilekha Sengupta, K G Krishnamurthy and Manik Roy among others are on the cards at the 12th edition of the "Jash-e-Bachpan" festival, which begins on November 2.
The fortnight-long event would also celebrate the silver jubilee of TIE (Theatre in Education Co) program.
"Children's theatre is the need of the hour as it is important in shaping a child's personality, confidence, vision and sensitivity as an artist. Children theatre is a very important part of theatrical experience and its time we should include theatre as part of the curriculum," NSD Director, Prof Waman Kendre said today.

NSD would also be organising its first ever three-day seminar during the festival.
Titled "Theatre for Children: Whose need is it?" from November 12 to 14 would have participation from personalities like Rudraprasad Sengupta, Bansi Kaul among others.

Underprivileged children, supported by various NGOs would also be participating in the festival.
"Thirty NGOs have been contacted for this purpose and we are hoping we will get confirmation from them. We want children from all strata of the society to be a part of this festival. We believe that theatre changes life and with that in mind we have planned to engage underprivileged children too," Kendre said.

NSD has also sought the participation of the zonal cultural centres in the festival to extend support to the various participating groups for increasing regional participation.