Youngsters of a city-based society, are spreading a message through theatre

Ganpati Bappa has brought plenty of excitement to the city and the festival is being celebrated with equal enthusiasm at big mandals as well as residential societies. While big mandals have life-size dakhavas, others have live performances and many societies organise various competitions like dance, singing and sports, bringing people together, thereby serving the purpose of the festival.

Youngsters from city-based society Mangal Varsha, came up with a unique idea, where along with competitions, they are staging a play at various societies during the festival, with professional equipment like stage properties, light, sound, etc. The play is not conducted by professionals but young residents of the society who are included in writing, direction, music, light, costume and other aspects.

Kalpesh Kulkarni, a resident of the society who initiated this activity said, “Nashik has given many artistes to the industry and many people also want to join this. To inculcate this amongst children, we started this initiative where children to college going youngsters participate and perform.” The practice session started around a month before the festival, with children and youth working together. “The role of the students onstage or backstage, was kept under wraps even for their parents, as a surprise element. Parents, friends and others got to know only during the performance.”

After performing at Mangal Varsha society and Vastu Classic society, the group will be taking their one act play, Cell, to other societies as well. “The Cell refers to a mobile cell, jail and the embryo in womb. This year, my team and I presented the humourous play which also had an important message of how one is connected with these three cells.”

Ved Puranik an 11-year-old from the society who acted in the play says, “I played the character of a short tempered old man. Now I am also getting support from my parents not only in this project but also other projects related to drama and theatre.” Hema Karia a parent shares, “We can see parents encouraging their children to participate actively not only onstage but also backstage as well.”

— Kshama Deshpande