The Experimental Theatre Foundation`s Initiative      Back to BNU
BAL NATYA UTSAV : : (Children Theatre Festival)
(A Process Report) : : by Darshana Dube

---BNU REPORT---

The first Bal Natya Utsav held at Karnataka Sangh- Matunga, Mumbai on the 13th and 14th January, 1999 was a culmination of the joint efforts put in by the 5 non-profit organizations namely ETF, Meljol, Prerna, Sathi and Yuva. The Utsav witnessed the performance of seven plays in Hindi, focusing on the issues affecting and involving the children.

Issues like the harmful effect of Gutka on children, shelter, education and equal rights to them, were thrown light on. Mr. Mahavir Jain, Senior faculty member of V.V. Giri National Labour institute, NOIDA was the chief guest. The festival promoted a tremendous growth for the children at a personal level. According to Meljol, “ the experience enhanced the children’s confidence levels and speech. Prerna too reported a marked rise in the self-esteem and patience-levels, in the children.

About 100 children performed in 7 plays, which were appreciated and applauded by a huge audience running into 1000 people. The following plays were staged by different organizations:

>1] Vidhya Dadati-Vinayam by ETF

2] Hamara Sach- by Meljol

3] Bekasur- by Saathi

4] Ek Khoj Apni Zindagi- by Yuva

5] Zimmeddar Kaun- by Prerna

6] Gutka - by Meljol

7] Mera Bachpan- by ETF

The second Bal Natya Utsav held at Prithvi Theatre and Karnataka Sangh Hall at, Mumbai from 12 January to 14th January saw about 200 children participants and two more NGOS –Vatsalya and Door Step School, which voluntarily extended their support. The 7 plays staged gave the message to the children that the only way to achieve freedom from a bondage is to educate oneself. The heart-warming news for the organizer and all the participating NGOs was the fact that about 2000 people witnessed the plays proving that the means of theatre was getting more popular drawing bigger crowds and thereby spreading awareness.

The process was not one-sided transmitting from the stage to the audience but it was also working vice-versa as stated by many children participants who showed markedly improvement in enthusiasm and confidence after hearing the applause. The process was also taking place at only the performer’s level as testified by Madan Sable, a child participant from ETF. Madan found a purpose to his life after being introduced to Bal Natya Utsav who decided to perform 4 to 5 plays every month besides his studies to educate other children and to spread awareness.

The following plays were performed:

1] Vidya Dadati Vinayam --by ETF-- --at--Prithvi theatre

2] Mumbai Meri Jaan --by Vatsalya-- --at--Karnataka Sangh

3] Shiva Ki Maut --by Yuva-- --at--Karnataka Sangh

4) Anari --by Prerana-- --at--Karnataka Sangh

5] Pratigya --by Door Step School --at--Karnataka Sangh

6] Mera Bachpan --by ETF-- --at--Karnataka Sangh

7) Padai se Hua Chamatkar --by YUVA-- --at-- Karnataka Sangh

The third BNU that was held on January 18 to 20th at Prithvi theatre in Mumbai that witnessed the children directing and writing plays besides acting in them. The issues tackled were the sexual abuse of a child by the family members, the plight of runaway children, deforestation and over crowding in the cities that indirectly affect the children’s lives. The eight plays performed all over Mumbai in different venues drew a lot of attention from the media and general public.

With the underlying theme being Children Rights, the plays dealt with various aspects and reflected some of the most pressing issues faced not only by the children but also by the society in general. The plays were performed in such prominent venues as the Prithvi Theatre, Karnataka Sangha and Bal Bhavan. Eight organizations took part in the entire event. They are Experimental Theatre Foundation (ETF), Shivai Vidya Mandir, Hamara Club, The Vatsalya Foundation, PSM Department KEM, Prerna, Door Step School and Pragati Bal Mandal (YUVA).

The fact that 300 children participated in 9 plays witnessed by about 3000 people provided the impetus needed to reach BNU through theatre to new heights.

The following plays were performed at different venues:

1] B-7 --Prithvi theatre --Experimental Theatre Foundation

2] Hakk Balkancha --Karnatak Sangha-- --Shivai Vidya Mandir

3] Hamari Zindagi --Karnatak Sangha-- --Hamara Club

4) Hello Zindagi --Prithvi Theatre-- --The Vatsalya Foundation

5] Nardachi Shikavan --Bal Bhavan --PSM, KEM

6] Masum Bache --Bal Bhavan-- --Prerana

7] Nai Umang --Bal Bhavan-- --Door Step School

8] Karenge Hum Dhamal --Bal Bhavan --Yuva.

9] Mera Bachpan --Karnatak Sangh --ETF      Back to BNU

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