Jammu, Jan 12: The much-anticipated Winter Theatre Workshop for children, organized by Natrang, culminated in a vibrant and memorable performance of Habib Tanveer’s iconic play Parampara.
The event was held at the auditorium of Government College for Women, Parade, Jammu, in collaboration with the institution, and showcased the immense talent nurtured during this unique theatrical initiative.
Directed by Neeraj Kant and assisted by Kanan Kaur, the play was a tribute to India’s rich cultural heritage and history, brought to life by young participants. The workshop was coordinated by Mohd. Yaseen and aimed at popularizing theatre among children while fostering personality development and creative exploration.
Padma Shri awardee and Natrang’s Director, Balwant Thakur, welcomed the gathering and elaborated on the transformative power of theatre. He shared insights from his 36 years of work with children, highlighting how theatre has the potential to shape personalities and instill confidence. Thakur emphasized, “Theatre is not just an art form but a tool with unlimited potential to bring magical changes in individuals. It should not be seen as merely the art of acting but as a medium that transforms personalities and cultivates creativity.”
The play Parampara opened with a modern twist, featuring two children lamenting their lack of social media followers, reflecting the challenges of contemporary youth. Their obsession with trends is disrupted by Nati, a wise character who encourages them to reconnect with their cultural roots and explore the richness of India’s history and heritage.
The play takes the audience on a journey through significant moments in Indian history, blending humor, drama, and a powerful message. Starting with the arrival of the Aryans and iconic episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, the narrative also included Emperor Ashoka’s transformation after the Kalinga War, Bharata Muni’s Natyashastra, and Kalidasa’s literary contributions. The story progressed to the colonial period, highlighting the struggle for independence led by Mahatma Gandhi and the tragic partition of India and Pakistan.
In its moving finale, Parampara emphasized unity, peace, and shared heritage. Through allegorical representations, it called for harmony between nations and celebrated the enduring cultural bond between India and Pakistan.
The play featured remarkable performances by young talents, including Aarna Gaur, Adira Gupta, Advik Sharma, Amayra Mahajan, Anuvi Sharma, and many others. The music, composed by Kartik Kumar, added depth to the narrative, while Sumeet Sharma skillfully conducted the show. Natrang’s Winter Theatre Workshop has once again proven to be a platform for children to discover their potential, celebrate their heritage, and gain invaluable life skills. As Balwant Thakur aptly noted, “Theatre is a powerful medium to groom the younger generation and connect them to their roots while building their confidence for the future.” The evening was a resounding success, leaving the audience inspired and highlighting the importance of theatre in preserving and promoting cultural values.
