Learning theatre and art amid green surroundings

New Delhi: Aiming to bring theatre education into public spaces and make it more accessible to children, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Wednesday launched ‘Rangbaag’, a creative and immersive initiative in collaboration with National School of Drama (NSD), at Baansera.The theatre workshop will be held from May 2 to June 14, between 3pm and 7pm, and will be a paid programme. The sessions will be conducted by trained faculty from NSD. DDA has invited applications for the first batch of 30 children aged 12-16 years. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to verification of eligibility. The forms are available online, and DDA and NSD reserve the right to reject any application at their discretion.“The sessions will engage young participants through a range of theatre-based activities, including communication exercises, movement-based activities, storytelling and improvisation. The exercise aims to sensitise them to their surroundings. Children will also get an opportunity to hone their skills under the guidance of expert artists. If they find the workshop interesting, they can pursue a future in it too,” said a DDA official.“Participants will not be required to pay the entry fee at Baansera Park on the first day upon showing their payment receipt. For subsequent days, they must carry and present their ID cards, which will be issued on the first day, to avail free entry. However, participants are required to attend sessions regularly. Repeated absence without prior intimation may result in the seat being offered to another participant,” the official said.He also advised that children and parents should come prepared for the heat. “The workshop will take place in an open park environment and may involve light physical and creative activities. While DDA and NSD will take all reasonable measures to ensure a safe and supervised environment, they shall not be responsible for any health issues arising due to heat-related conditions,” the official said.The programme will culminate in a final performance on June 14, where participants will showcase their learning.The workshop was first proposed in Oct 2025, when NSD presented Nanha Scientist, which celebrated the curiosity and imagination of young minds. Subsequently, in Feb this year, DDA signed a memorandum of understanding with NSD to implement the initiative during the Green Expo 2026 at Baansera.