Mowgli
Mowgli is a children’s theatre production inspired by Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, reimagined around questions of nature, responsibility, power and the consequences of using knowledge without understanding its impact.
The story follows Mowgli, who grows up among the animals of the jungle and is eventually forced to leave his home. His journey takes a dangerous turn when Jabari, the Monkey King, kidnaps him and makes him create fire. What begins as a powerful discovery gradually becomes destructive, leading to a forest fire. Through this journey, the production explores fire as a metaphor for modern technology something that can create progress, but can also cause destruction when used irresponsibly.
The play brings together themes of self-discovery, coexistence with nature, responsibility, unity and the consequences of one’s actions, presenting them through an adventurous story that connects naturally with young audiences.
Mowgli was first created and presented as part of Aralu 2023, where the children participating in the workshop became the performers. Following this first presentation, the production was further developed under Kalabhi Children’s Theatre. The work was rebuilt with a stronger stage presentation, including new costumes, sets and technical elements, and continued with a new group of young performers.
The production was directed by Bhuvan Manipal, with Ujwal U.V. handling light design and Dhanush Kamath composing the music. The production brought together a team of young performers and backstage collaborators to create its stage world.
Production Journey & Presentations
- Aralu 2023 — First presented as a children’s theatre workshop production.
- Kalabhi Children’s Theatre — Reworked and developed as a continuing production with new performers, costumes, sets and technical elements.
- Children’s Bahuroopi 2025 — Presented as part of the children’s theatre festival.
The journey of Mowgli reflects the way a production can grow beyond its first workshop presentation. What began with children at Aralu was gradually rebuilt into a continuing stage production, giving different young performers the opportunity to enter the world of the play while allowing the production itself to evolve through performance.
