Aralu 2023
Aralu 2023 was a 10 day professional theatre workshop organised by Canara Cultural Academy and Kalabhi Theatre, beginning on 16 April 2023. The workshop was designed to introduce children to theatre beyond acting, giving them an opportunity to understand and experience different aspects of the theatrical process.
Throughout the workshop, the children were guided through the process of creating a production and were introduced to different elements of theatre. The workshop brought together three productions Mowgli, directed by Bhuvan Manipal; Rajana Savaal, Makkala Kamaal, directed by Bindu Rakshidhi; and Mruga Mathu Sundari, directed by Naveen Sanehalli. The children were involved in the process of preparing these productions and experienced the journey of taking a play from the workshop space to the stage.
The workshop concluded on 26 April 2023 with Aralu Naatakotsava 2023, held at the open-air theatre of Canara Pre-University College. The three productions were presented before the public, with 75 children taking part in the performances. The children experienced the complete atmosphere of a professional stage production, bringing together performance, lights, sound, costumes and other elements of theatre.
The workshop also gave the children an opportunity to step outside the familiar boundaries of their school environment and discover a new world through theatre. Some of the participating children shared their experiences and reflections at the conclusion of the programme. The overall coordination and arrangements of the workshop were managed by Ujwal U.V., Secretary, Kalabhi (R.).
Aralu 2023 thus became a significant children's theatre initiative, creating a space where children could learn, explore and experience theatre as a complete art form, while culminating in a public presentation of their work.
