Is Children’s Theatre Only for Entertainment?

Does children's theatre solely aim for entertainment through humor, laughter, and slapstick comedy, or should it include the potential for children to comprehend and engage with age-appropriate serious themes.  Every year, Bangalore Little Theatre opens a Children's Theatre production in early November, extending through mid-December, featuring performances in schools and public auditoriums. In 2022, we deliberated on the appropriateness of presenting Rabindranath Tagore's poignant short story, "Kabuliwala," to a young audience. The tale, often evoking tears from adults, raised questions about whether children would endure and comprehend a narrative dating back to 1892.

After thoughtful consideration, we proceeded with the play titled Kabuliwala Calling. To our delight, it became a resounding success, with over 50 shows captivating packed audiences. Children in grade 6 and above not only enjoyed the performance but also actively engaged in post-show discussions. Surprising both the cast and crew, the young audience posed thought-provoking questions. “Why did Mini not recognize Kabuliwala when he came to visit her after being released from jail?”  “Did the mother's perception of the ‘stereotyped’ Afghan change over time?”  “Will Kabuliwala's daughter recognize him upon his return to Farza?”
Gurudev believed that “proper teaching does not explain things, proper teaching stoked curiosity.”   It was heartening to hear from the children their thoughts about the predicament of a man from a far-off land, displaced by destiny and by the need to survive.
Children's theatre possesses the potential to deliver a diverse range of content beyond humor. It is a dynamic medium that seamlessly blends entertainment with educational, emotional, and cultural exploration. It offers a holistic experience that captivates young audiences while providing valuable content that contributes to their growth and development.

In 2023, we present Beyond Hattamala, an English adaptation of a Bengali play Hattamalar Oparey by Badal Sircar. Through this play, the playwright paints a socio-political and economic utopia, challenging the disparities inherent in our real society. We anticipate that this production will stimulate meaningful discussions with students. Can there be a realm devoid of the concept of money, where individuals find contentment in their choices and embrace happiness collectively? We look forward to exploring these profound themes with our young audience this year.