Theatre group teams up with special school for inclusive play

Kolkata: Kolahal Theatre Workshop is all set to train the students of Mentaid Special School for the former’s fifth production “Chup Chap Charlie”. Around 35 intellectually challenged children will perform with professional artistes, including actors Nigel Akkara and Devlina Kumar, on the same stage in September to give the audience a unique experience of proscenium theatre through this mythological tragicomedy.
Nigel Akkara, who is also the founder president of Kolahal said, “Training sessions will start with the students from Tuesday at Mentaid’s Joka facility. All sessions will be held under the supervision of Dr Manisha Bhattacharya, psychological advisor for this project.”
Jahar Das who has also worked with Nandikar is the project trainer. “We will be using drama therapy for these special children and camouflage their disabilities on stage,” he said.
Iona Kundu, chairperson, Mentaid said, “I look forward to Nigel’s initiative to integrate our kids into the community through drama.”