Aralu 2024
Aralu 2024 was a 10 day theatre workshop organised jointly by Kalabhi (R.) Mangalore and Canara Cultural Academy, beginning on 11 April 2024. Built around the idea that the children of today are the creative foundation of tomorrow, the workshop brought together around 30 children, along with two directors and six assistant directors, to introduce them to the world of theatre.
Along with working towards their productions, the children were introduced to different aspects of theatre through sessions with theatre practitioners and artists who joined the workshop as resource persons. They shared their experiences as artists, spoke about theatre and conducted sessions in Ranga Sangeetha, giving the children an opportunity to experience theatre beyond acting and performance. The sessions became a space where the children could learn, explore and enjoy the process of creating theatre together.
The workshop concluded on 21 April 2024 at the Canara Pre-University College open-air theatre in Mangalore with Aralu 2024’s closing programme. The evening began with a Ranga Sangeetha presentation by the children, directors and assistant directors, followed by the formal programme. The workshop culminated in the presentation of two productions Hakki Haadu, directed by Raju Manipal, and Kapata Sanyaasi Maarjaala Matthu Mooshaka Kula, directed by Ramesh K. Benakal. The 30 participating children performed the productions before an audience, bringing together what they had explored and learned during the ten-day workshop.
Hakki Haadu, written by K. Ramayya, with music by Dr. Shripad Bhat and choreography by Prashanth Udyavara, follows the relationship between a mother bird, her chicks and a group of cats, using the contrast between birds and cats to explore traditional and modern ways of life. Kapata Sanyaasi Maarjaala Matthu Mooshaka Kula, written by Leela Garadi, with music by Manoj, Veekshan and Bhuvan Manipal, tells the story of a cat who disguises himself as a monk to deceive the mice, eventually conveying the simple truth that deceit cannot remain hidden forever. The children who participated in the workshop became the performers of both productions.
Aralu 2024 was ultimately an attempt to let children discover the larger world of theatre through experience from learning with theatre practitioners and exploring music and performance to working together towards a complete stage production. The ten-day process culminated not merely in two plays, but in an experience that allowed the children to see, participate in and understand the many dimensions of theatre.
