New Delhi: While the early monsoon brought smiles to most faces in Delhi, a group of 17 children prayed the rain gods would let up for some time.
After all, they had a story to tell and a social message to deliver.
Ansuni, a theatre play organised by NGO Katha at the Indian Habitat Centre, saw children aged between eight and 13 years bring to life the perils of street children, the riot victims of Bhagalpur and the plight of those suffering from leprosy.
Directed by popular theatre personality Arvind Gaur, the play had the children re-live the horrors of Malika Begum, a witness to the Bhagalpur bloodbath as well as the vulnerability of street kids to drugs and abuse.
Also borrowed from Harsh Mander’s book Unheard Voices was a story about the emancipation of leprosy patients.
“I always thought street children are dirty and felt agitated when they scribbled on our cars. But after playing the role of one, I understand they are just like us,” said 12-year-old Rohan, a participant.
Interspersed with parodies of popular Bollywood hits like Kajra Re and Dus Bahane , the one-hour show marked the conclusion of a 10-day theatre workshop for children.
“It was an effort to make the privileged kids see the realities of those children who fight for a daily survival,” said Gaur.
Despite the rain, the amphitheatre was near-packed to capacity and energy on stage was palpable.
Amidst muffled giggles, oops-I-forgot-my-lines moments and unintended comic reprieve, the audience were treated to some high-voltage performances as well.
As the team got on stage to take a bow, the rain gods returned from their break, as if on cue. The amphitheatre resounded with applause for a story told and for the prayers answered.
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