Kids theatre festival held in Bengaluru

By Sravasti Datta
The 15th edition of the AHA! Theatre for Children Festival is currently underway. This year’s event featured a lineup that represents diverse styles, regions, and age groups,” says Adithya Suresh, programming manager at Ranga Shankara.
‘CHILDREN’S THEATRE SHOULD RESPECT THEIR INTELLIGENCE’
While theatre in general often challenges perceptions and explores the human condition, children’s theatre is often relegated to simplistic entertainment, relying on fairy tales or manufactured cheerfulness. “Children’s theatre should aim to create work that respects children’s intelligence and curiosity. We want children to leave our performances empowered to question norms, recognise their agency. They should see possibilities beyond the status quo,” believes Adithya.

A UNIQUE VISUAL EXPERIENCE
From plays like Chamak from Bengaluru to Saau from Delhi. and Harvest, a German production, staged yesterday, the fest has been a unique visual experience,” shares Adithya. He adds, “What made Harvest special for Indian audiences is its artistic approach. The production’s minimalist staging and symbolic visual language offered a refreshing contrast to more conventional theatre forms.

A DIVERSE LINEUP OF PLAYS
“This festival offered a wide range of plays from Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, and even Germany featuring both verbal and non-verbal performances. It’s designed to be suitable for children and even toddlers. Yesterday, Harvest, a German production brought to Bengaluru in collaboration with Goethe-Institut / Max Mueller Bhavan, was held,” says Adithya.

EMBRACING INCLUSIVITY
A festival milestone this year was the on-stage Indian Sign Language (ISL) interpreter, making the theatre experience truly inclusive. “This live interpretation ensured that children with hearing impairments can equally enjoy and engage with the performance. reflecting our belief that theatre should be accessible to all children, regardless of how they experience the world,” explains Adithya.