Aralu 2026
Aralu 2026 continued Kalabhi’s children’s theatre initiative through a 10-day theatre workshop held at Kalagrama, Kalabhi’s new cultural space in Mangaluru. The programme brought together 20 children and introduced them to different aspects of theatre through acting, movement, voice, storytelling, creative exercises and collective rehearsal.
Rather than focusing only on a final performance, the workshop gave the children an opportunity to experience theatre as a process. They worked together, explored characters and situations, developed their expressions and gradually moved towards creating a production.
An important part of Aralu 2026 was Aralu Sanchara, held on 18 April 2026 at City Centre Mall, Mangaluru. The children stepped into different characters and took their performance into a public space, interacting with people and creating moments through theatre. Moving outside a conventional stage allowed them to experience performance in a more open and spontaneous environment.
The workshop at Kalagrama gradually developed into the production I Shabash, directed by Charith Suvarna of Rangayana. The children who participated in the workshop became the performers of the production, carrying the work developed during the workshop onto the stage. Their rehearsals, explorations and collective work came together in the final production.
The concluding presentation of I Shabash was held on 23 April 2026 at 6:00 PM at Kalagrama, Mangaluru, marking the culmination of Aralu 2026.
The concluding programme brought together theatre practitioners, artists and supporters of children's theatre. Shri Mohan Shetty, theatre and film actor, presided over the programme. Shri M.M. Ramadas, theatre artist and singer, delivered the valedictory address. The programme also had the presence of Smt. Ramya Pradeep Kumar, Shri Charith Suvarna, and Shri Suresh B. Varkady, President of Kalabhi (R.), Mangaluru, among others associated with the programme. Their presence recognised the children's work and the journey they had undertaken through Aralu.
Aralu 2026 was also significant for Kalabhi because it took place at Kalagrama, the organisation’s newly established cultural space. The space provided an environment for children to spend sustained time with theatre, work collectively and develop a production through a continuous process.
From the workshop at Kalagrama to Aralu Sanchara in a public space and finally the stage presentation of I Shabash, Aralu 2026 brought together learning, exploration, creation and performance. For the participating children, it was an opportunity to experience theatre not simply as something to watch, but as something they could learn, explore, create and perform themselves.
