Two-day childrens drama festival in Udupi from December 29

Over 250 high school children from 11 schools in Udupi will stage 11 dramas at the ‘Makkala Natakotsava’ (children’s theatre festival) to be held in Udupi for two days from December 29.

The dramas, ‘Pushpa Rani’, ‘Kadina Pakshi Pyatege Banthu’, ‘Alilu Mariya Horalu Seve’, ‘Katthale Nagara Thaleketta Raja’, and ‘End Illada Band Avathara’, among others, will be staged at Nutana Ravindra Mantapa, MGM College, Udupi, according to Pradeep Chandra Kuthpady, general secretary of Rangabhoomi, Udupi.

Apart from ‘Makkala Natakotsava’, two dramas by Neenasam Troupe, namely ‘Hrudayada Theerpu’ and ‘Avatharanam Bhranthalayam’, will be staged at Infosys Foundation Yakshagana Development, Training and Research Centre Building, Sharada Mantapa Road, Udupi on December 31 and January 1, he stated in a release.

Mr. Kuthpady said that though Rangabhoomi had planned to increase the number of participating schools this year, several reasons made it difficult. Continuous heavy rains resulted in frequent cancellation of classes. Hence, teachers were under pressure to complete the academic syllabus within the stipulated time. In addition, teachers were entrusted with the responsibility of conducting the Social and Educational Survey this year. Owing to these factors, Rangashikshana volunteers could not approach more schools, he said.

He said students who have received training in theatre are now better positioned to present themselves confidently. They have acquired new skills and noticeable personality development has taken place as a result of regular practice and participation in staging dramas.

He said that the academic performance of students who staged dramas last year had improved and urged parents to encourage their children to participate in extracurricular activities without hesitation or fear of losing marks in examinations.