Child artistes at their creative best

Chandigarh, June 22

As many as 55 students aged between five and 15 years participated in a month-long summer theatre workshop organised by the Pracheen Kala Kendra at the Koser's indoor auditorium, Mohali.

Renowned theatre director and Punjabi film artiste Anita Shabdeesh, winner of National Sangeet Natak Academy's Bismillah Khan Award, exposed them to fundamentals of drama art such as improvisation, body movement, storytelling, dialogue delivery with a focus on personality development. The children were imparted knowledge and training in painting and art and craft by Shikha Jena and Pooja Jha.

The participants presented some songs but 'Bapu sehat ke liye, tu to hanikarak hai' from film Dangal won appreciation. A satirical play 'Pind vikau hai' on the evil of drug addiction in Punjab was staged. Another play 'Achha Insan' by small kids was critical of parents forcing them to follow their dictates for career planning. The event concluded with play 'Khiladiram ka Mukaddma' amid applause.

Kendra secretary Sajal Koser saidthe kendra would start regular training classes in theatrical arts shortly. Dr Shobha Koser, Registrar, honoured the children with certificates. — OC