Mother and child at the centre stage

AHMEDABAD: Till recently, Aditya Gajjar, a class VIII student of Delhi Public School, was not very enthusiastic about participating in co-curricular activities in his school. But, his parents' decision to enrol him at the theatre workshop in Karnavati club has paid off. Aditya is now brimming with confidence and is ready to take the centre stage.
"I never took part in dramas in the school.But, now I will take up dramatics seriously. I feel very confident," said 12-year-old Gajjar, who was the part of the crew who performed a 30-minute play Ali Baba aur Chalis chor' on Sunday evening.
The crew had 31 children and 10 mothers performing. The play was directed by Walter Peter, a theatre workshop faculty, who works with various schools and groups in the country.
"Initially, the workshop was only for children. Later, mothers who accompanied their children, showed interest too and we offered them to be part of the workshop," said Shilpa Parasrampuria, one of the organisers of the workshop.
Nisarg Patel, 12, another participant of the workshop, said, "I have learnt a lot during my vacations and have lots to tell my friends when the school re-opens. I now know the importance of expressions."
The setting in the play is that of a village where an elderly person is narrating the story of Ali Baba to children. The play has incorporated various songs in it which helps in connecting better with the children.