New Delhi : The National School of Drama (NSD), in association with the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO), presented Rang Arambh, a children’s theatre festival at the Abhimanch Auditorium, showcasing a bouquet of four plays performed by children from different parts of Delhi-NCR. The festival featured young participants, many of them from informal housing communities, and marked the culmination of theatre workshops conducted earlier by NSD.
A total of 132 children performed in the four plays: Prakriti Hai Superstar, prepared in association with ASHI near Anna Nagar Railway Office in Delhi; Chahiye Thoda Pyar, prepared in association with Baal Sahyog organization; Roti Aur Kitab, performed by children from Sarfavad, Sector 73, Noida; and Bas Ek Chhutti, prepared in association with Ek Koshish Special School from Surya Nagar.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director, NSD, said:
“Children are at the heart of our nation’s future, and nurturing their creative and emotional growth is our collective responsibility. We are delighted that HUDCO’s collaboration with the National School of Drama enables children from nearby underserved communities to learn, explore, and express themselves through theatre. This initiative not only builds confidence and imagination but also strengthens cultural understanding and prepares young minds for a brighter tomorrow.”
Shri Sanjay Kulshrestha, Chairman & Managing Director, HUDCO, said:
“We are delighted to collaborate with the National School of Drama on this initiative, which uses theatre as a powerful medium to nurture confidence, creativity, and teamwork among children from underprivileged communities. This platform enables them to express themselves freely, share their perspectives, and experience meaningful social inclusion.”
The play Prakriti Hai Superstar, directed by Niyati Rathod, explores how the lack of play spaces turns children’s simple joys into struggles tied to nature, highlighting growing intolerance and conflict. The play reminds audiences that protecting nature lies in our hands, and that human carelessness is putting it at risk.
Chahiye Thoda Pyar, directed by Vijay Kumar Singh, draws inspiration from Carlo Gozzi’s fairy-tale style comedy and has been reimagined to help children build their own characters, confidence, and imaginative expression. Blending fantasy with real-life emotions, the play encourages young performers to discover the joy of storytelling through playful and collaborative theatre.
The play Roti Aur Kitab, directed by Tasabber Ali, portrays the unfulfilled aspirations of children from underprivileged families who lack access to quality education and often fall prey to child labour due to economic hardships.
Bas Ek Chhutti, directed by Kanchan, is inspired by Anton Chekhov’s Girgit. This sensitive children’s play follows a boy overwhelmed by rules who longs for a single day of freedom, only to realise that his parents’ discipline stems from love. The play gently highlights the importance of understanding and warmth between children and parents.