A shy child finding the courage to speak, a hyperactive one learning patience or an anxious child finding a way to express emotions - theatre can help bring about these changes. Dr Radhika Deshpande, whose doctoral research examined the positive effects of theatre activities on children, believes drama can teach life skills that go well beyond the stage. Dr Deshpande, while speaking to ‘The Hitavada’ shared that theatre should not be treated merely as an extracurricular activity. “Unlike reading, which mainly stimulates the mind, or dance, which involves physical movement, theatre engages the mind, body and emotions together,” she shared. Voice modulation, pauses, dialogue delivery and emotional expression help children communicate better and deal with anxiety. She also explained how role-playing can bring behavioural changes.

 

A hyperactive child may learn patience by playing a character that requires stillness, while a reserved child may gradually come out of their shell. Theatre also helps children understand emotions by allowing them to step into someone else’s shoes. “When they step into another character, they have to understand what makes that person angry, frightened or happy, and how to bring those emotions alive on stage. A child playing an impatient character must understand impatience; one portraying someone who is hurt has to convey that feeling without simply saying so,” she added.

 

This is where drama goes beyond memorising dialogues. Children begin to read emotions, understand different points of view and become more sensitive to people around them. Dr Deshpande feels this is important today, when children are caught between academic pressure and excessive screen time. Unlike watching reels, theatre makes them participate, imagine and interact. “With nuclear families becoming common and grandparents often living separately, it also offers children companionship and an outlet for expression,” she added. She believes children’s theatre must move with the times. Alongside traditional stories of good triumphing over evil, plays should address mobile phones, laptops, junk food and changing school environments. A Nagpur native, which she considers her shiksha bhumi, Dr Deshpande was influenced by her father, noted children’s playwright and theatre personality Sanjay Pendse. For the past 12 years, she has managed children’s theatre through Radhika Creations, carrying forward Balaranjan Sanstha’s legacy. She acknowledged her guru and father, Shree Sanjay Pendse, and her PhD guide, Dr Sanyukta Thorat, for shaping her knowledge and journey.

 

 

Radhika Creations is going to stage a children’s play named ‘Achat Gawchi Afaat Maushi,’ based on a script by veteran playwright Ratnakar Matkari in Nagpur on Saturday, November 7, at 6 pm. Set in a fantasy world of animals, kings, queens, magicians and demons, the play follows a young girl guided by her talking pet cat. The story encourages the audience to shape their own future and not lose heart when others dismiss their abilities.