Ranga Shankara’s Sunday theatre programme for children returns

A scene from Crabbby.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Aha! Sundays, a programme started by Ranga Shankara, a theatre space in J.P. Nagar, is continuing to put on shows for children this year too. Initially started in January, 2023, the programme was planned to bring in at least two plays for children in a month and dedicating two Sundays for younger audiences.

Over two years, the programme has seen close to a hundred shows dedicated for children. According to Ranga Shankara, the initiative brings theatre for children to the forefront, enriching young minds through engaging performances. Ranga Shankara says that by showcasing diverse stories and themes, this programme not only captivates children’s imaginations but also fosters empathy and creativity. 

The synopsis explains Crabbby as an intelligent character because he always thinks differently.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Community bonds

“The exposure to live theatre cultivates a deeper appreciation for the arts, encouraging children to express themselves and connect with others. As families gather to experience these performances, Aha! Sundays strengthens community bonds and nurtures a culture that values storytelling and creativity, ensuring a brighter, more imaginative future for all,” said the performing space.

Over the last two years several plays including Ranga Shankara’s own productions like Circle of Life, Old Man and the Sea, Chippi the Chipkali, Ee Gida – Aa Mara, and other plays by various troupes from across the city have been showcased under this programme. Along with the showcases on the main stage, the theatre space has also hosted story telling sessions, painting activities and more during the Sundays. 

This year, Aha! Sundays begins on January 12, at 3.30 p.m. and 6 p.m., with Ranga Shankara’s latest production Crabbby, directed by S. Surendranath. Suitable for children between the ages five to seven. According to the synopsis of the production, the play is about how the characters Crabbby and Storky, a crab and a stork, enemies turned friends, come together to rescue their pond that was being littered by humans. The synopsis explains Crabbby as an intelligent character because he always thinks differently. And that is how he comes up with a brilliant idea to save the pond from the townspeople who would keep throwing garbage in it. Along with being interactive, this story-telling-play is all about working together for a cause and saving the environment.  

Speaking to The Hindu, Surendranath says that environmental conservation is a community commitment and teamwork, and when it is a community commitment, it is imperative that the play is interactive to some extent, where the children play the part of the fish. “How intelligent Crabbby is, is something to be seen and not be heard. His intelligence and how he uses this to save his friends and this pond is part of the play that can not be revealed“, he added. 

Being part of story

On asked how the play engages children, Surendranath says that children have a role to play in the play to some extent. “One does not need to do anything extra as long one tells the children an interesting story. Children will be part of the story automatically,” he said.  

Talking about the challenges he faced to bring the pond’s environmental crisis on stage, Surendranath says, “You don’t create pond with real water, like you don’t create a sea in the play Old Man and the Sea. It is in the imagination of a child. You say fish and they believe that they are fish. That’s the magic. There is no set to make an impact. In fact, this is a bare-stage act. We just kindle the feeling, and the children feel that and walk along with the story.“ 

Ranga Shankara will also be presenting Tila, based on Indian and German folktales directed by Michael Vogel on January 26, and another show of Crabbby on February 9. Tickets for the shows are available at the Ranga Shankar box-office and on BookMyShow.