Every last weekend of June, the students of the Bangalore School of Speech and Drama prepare their theatre voices and step into their acting suits.
This year, the children took their audience on an unforgettable journey to various corners of the globe, with their presentation of 'Around the World in Eight Plays', directed by Zulfia Shaikh.
Set in a colourful market square, Bernardo, the storyteller (played by Hasnain Shaikh) and his wife, Isabel (played by Nayanika Das) along with a band of storytellers guided the audience through an exciting expedition.
From Africa to Russia, India and then Japan, the narrators painted both romantic and tragic pictures from far-off lands, with timely dramatic sound effects by the rest of the crew.
Eighteen-year-old Hasnain, who co-directed the play, talks about its theme. "Earlier, we used to just perform one story," he says.
"This time, it's different because it's eight stories packed into one play — so it's eight times more exciting!" he laughs.
Having choreographed the various traditional dances and selected most of the music for the production, he adds, "I was forced to try a variety of styles of dance and music to exude diverse cultures. So, the experience has really forced me to grow creatively."
Thirteen-year-old Nayanika, who joined the BSSD when she was six years old, recalls how the students
had been practicing for this performance for just six weeks. "We all get really nervous when we're backstage before the play," she giggles. "But once we step on stage, it's the most thrilling experience," she smiles confidently.
To this, Hasnain adds, "The play was so out-of-the-box, it really gave us the freedom to play different characters."
Sure enough, the random mixed and matched storytellers, with their tales of teepees and castles, dragons and warriors, offered something for everyone.
Was it difficult co-ordinating with 71 children, ages ranging from five years to 18 years?
"The hardest part is getting them quiet — by the time the performance comes around, I always have a sore throat!" jokes Zulfia.
Then she adds, contemplatively, "Once you work with kids, you're spoiled for life. The joys of connecting and bonding with the children are wonderful!"
Appreciating each of her student's efforts, Zulfia is all praises for her team.
"From the performers to those working backstage, it's so exciting to have students holding the whole fabric together," she says proudly.
Beaming, she adds, "It's amazing to watch these children set their imaginations free and let them play with their own interpretations of the stories."
This year, the children took their audience on an unforgettable journey to various corners of the globe, with their presentation of 'Around the World in Eight Plays', directed by Zulfia Shaikh.
Set in a colourful market square, Bernardo, the storyteller (played by Hasnain Shaikh) and his wife, Isabel (played by Nayanika Das) along with a band of storytellers guided the audience through an exciting expedition.
From Africa to Russia, India and then Japan, the narrators painted both romantic and tragic pictures from far-off lands, with timely dramatic sound effects by the rest of the crew.
Eighteen-year-old Hasnain, who co-directed the play, talks about its theme. "Earlier, we used to just perform one story," he says.
"This time, it's different because it's eight stories packed into one play — so it's eight times more exciting!" he laughs.
Having choreographed the various traditional dances and selected most of the music for the production, he adds, "I was forced to try a variety of styles of dance and music to exude diverse cultures. So, the experience has really forced me to grow creatively."
Thirteen-year-old Nayanika, who joined the BSSD when she was six years old, recalls how the students
had been practicing for this performance for just six weeks. "We all get really nervous when we're backstage before the play," she giggles. "But once we step on stage, it's the most thrilling experience," she smiles confidently.
To this, Hasnain adds, "The play was so out-of-the-box, it really gave us the freedom to play different characters."
Sure enough, the random mixed and matched storytellers, with their tales of teepees and castles, dragons and warriors, offered something for everyone.
Was it difficult co-ordinating with 71 children, ages ranging from five years to 18 years?
"The hardest part is getting them quiet — by the time the performance comes around, I always have a sore throat!" jokes Zulfia.
Then she adds, contemplatively, "Once you work with kids, you're spoiled for life. The joys of connecting and bonding with the children are wonderful!"
Appreciating each of her student's efforts, Zulfia is all praises for her team.
"From the performers to those working backstage, it's so exciting to have students holding the whole fabric together," she says proudly.
Beaming, she adds, "It's amazing to watch these children set their imaginations free and let them play with their own interpretations of the stories."