3 Days at the Theatre!

30th August, 2009

At last, the big day ... C-Group set off for three days of theatre camp! No one from SISP had been before so we didn't really know what to expect. That Wednesday morning we left for a one-hour drive to the famous Rangaprabhat Children's Theatre school, about 30km north of Trivandrum. As soon as the children got there they were immediately immersed in classes for singing, expression, painting, Kathakali, movement and much more. The boys and girls of C-Group had the time of their lives. Nervous and uncertain in the beginning, they were certainly full of enthusiasm and conviction by the end.

Because of the way the theatre camps are organised, adults also spend time practising there. When we stayed, there were some actors in school, and every day they rehearsed the same piece again and again. Interesting to watch!

After school we joined other children to practise putting expression in exercises and dance steps. The children watched from the side lines at first but soon left their inhibitions behind and enjoyed themselves totally. On the final evening there was a dance and music show where the students of the school dazzled us with drumming, dancing and singing. Then our boys and girls took a turn on the stage. Michael Jackson's dance moves were nothing to dance-talent Pradeesh, and comic Arun had the audience in stitches with his one man show. C-Group overcame their initial embarrassment or reluctance and really came out of their shells! It was great to see and experience.

SISP would like to thank Amy and the various teachers of the theatre - it was a very nice initiative!

Okay, so when does the next group leave?

Anneke, volunteer at SISP, Kovalam.