Saikat Kumar Basu
The Chidren Theater Festival (SISHU NATYOTSAV) was held at Mukta Angan auditorium in Kolkata between 29-31 December, 2023 by the famous and accredited children theater group Chetla Khristi Sansad. The three day festival experienced packed audience with children across various age groups, teachers, academics, educators, senior citizens, local press members, theater experts, celebrities and artists. The outstanding performance by the kids resonated with their mesmerizing scripts, dress and costumes, make up, stage presentation, sound and lighting music scoring and composition to mention only a handful. The various layers of the individual drama represented in the form of social and political satire, dark comedy and magical performance with intense passion, strong positive attitude and a devotional love for performing arts.
In addition to to the dazzling performance of talented children and several teen age performers; the directional genius of Mr. Pinaki Ghosh and music scoring and composition by Miss. Jayati Nasker deserves special mention for their monumental hardwork and efforts. Overall it was memorable cultural experience that the dedicated audience explored for three days highlighting various socio-cultural, socio-religious and socio-political introspection of our present day society from a Multiple perspectives. The sensational dialogues and breath taking performance of the he child artists deserves special mention as many of them could compete at national levels for their outstanding talents and ability to perform in front of a big audience.
The Chetla Krishti Sansad is located at 170 A, Peary Mohan Roy Road, Kolkata-700027 and was established in 1985. The organization is lead by veteran theater director Mr. Pinaki Guha and his dedicated team; and has till date successfully made 50 plus successful stage productions performed by children between the age groups of 4-16 years. The organization is dedicated to children’s welfare and theatre group in the city of Kolkata and highly respected for their dedicated social and cultural services. From a humble beginning in 1985; they have continued to receive rave reviews from both theater experts and general audience. In the dilapidated house of Zaminders (landlords) at Matalibari in Chetla, the dream of making a social change in the lives of children was born. It has grown into a movement today to make the lives of these children a better one by their own efforts. It is a movement, which gives expression to the thoughts of the downtrodden children; a way of looking ahead from day to day drudgery of their existence. Working with the children of the lowest strata of the society, Chetla Khristi Sansad imbibe in them the self confidence and zeal to make their life better and more meaningful.
This dedicated organization expose children to the ways and means of being happy by opening new windows of life through which they can find their self expressions. The children members and performers come primarily from the slums of Chetla in south Kolkata. They have a unique coexistence of children from upper, middle and lower strata of the society, where they can mingle with each other so easily. The eagerness and determination with which these little artists attend regular workshops, demonstrating unfeigned appreciation and involvement towards the mission that they are looking for. In spite of the meager financial support and rickety infrastructural facilities; this organization witness a disciplined and dedicated performance from the talented young performers. Chetla Krishti Sansad hopes to change the mode of life of the little ones and make them a worthwhile and responsible citizen of our country. The group is run by the donation and support of common people and by the hard work of the children without any Government or Non Government grant or sponsorship.
The important features of this unique group includes:
1.If a person is attached to a theatre group from childhood, he or she can be skillful theatre personnel, if not; at least can be an honest, vigilant citizen. This is their mission.
2.The organization is totally free, the members give honorary service to the children, and tgey never had any Government or Non-Government grant or sponsorship.
3.Children compulsorily rehearse thrice a week and stage about 25 shows per year on avarage. Their dramas, puppets and mime shows have been widely acclaimed and covered by mainstream local media such as local newspapers and television.
4.They have been organizing the annual Children’s Theatre Festival: ‘SISHU NATYOTSAV’ since 1993 where children’s theatre groups of Red Light Areas, blind and other specialy abled kids from Kolkata and suburbs also participate along with others.
5.The children participate in recitations, theatre workshops, vocal music, making puppets, making sets and costumes and doing make ups.
6. They have nurtured and grown the toy library, the first of its kind in Kolkata. People donate old and new toys here.
7. They perform regular show in every month except the time of annual examinations.
8.The children rehearse three days a week (Sunday, Saturday and Thursday) from 5-6.30 p.m.
9. This group has participated in the Sishu Natyotsav organized by Paschimbango Natyo Academy at Kolkata, Jalpaiguri, Bardhaman and Chinsura; and in Jashan-e-bachpan in 2010.
10. They have done script, directing and acting in a children’s programme named GAPPO SAPPO at ETV Bangla from 2001-2010.
Chetla Krishti Sansad has a long way to go and hope to serve a larger fraternity of children in the not so distant future.The monumental task undertaken this dedicated group to transforming our society and standing by neglected childhood must be appreciated.
Photo credit: Saikat Kumar Basu
(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Media Release)
