Early Times Report
JAMMU, June 14: Natrang's Theatre Camp-2023 for children is revolutionizing the world of creativity and innovation. This year's camp, under the guidance of Padamshree Balwant Thakur, is exploring endless possibilities and introducing new, innovative methods acquired through global experiences. Natrang has been organizing the children's theatre camp for forty-five days every year since 1990, providing a professional platform for children in Jammu to explore creativity, art, aesthetics, innovation, and culture. Participants are offered remarkable opportunities to discover their hidden abilities and talents.
Director Balwant Thakur emphasized that Natrang stands out by infusing creativity among participating children in a strategic and well-planned manner, unlike other superficial art and theatre activities. While many children spend their time watching television or using smartphones, the children at Natrang's Theatre camp are engaging in a remarkable journey of self-improvement. Theatre not only boosts their confidence but also enhances their intellectual abilities and fosters self-expression.
Natrang is the only theatre organization in the country running a weekend club exclusively for children. This club, operating on Saturdays and Sundays, offers diverse training in personality development, public speaking, self-organization, and self-exploration through theatre.
Natrang is now preparing to launch a year-long theatre training program to promote self-actualization among children with the assistance of expert trainers. The curriculum for this program is conceptualized and designed by Padamshree Balwant Thakur, who has given a new dimension to children's theatre in the country with highly innovative plays like "Rang Badalti Duniya," "Bhag Beta Bhaag," "Hum Hain Naa," "Udaan," "Mere Hisse Ki Dhoop Kahan Hai," and "Aap Hamare Hain Kaun."
Over the years, Natrang has collaborated with experts from renowned institutions such as the National School of Drama in New Delhi and the London International School of Performing Arts to work with children. The regular faculty includes Sumeet Sharma, a National Awardee and Master in Dramatics; Neeraj Kant, a veteran theatre artist with 35 years of experience working with children; and Gauri Thakur, a young theatre director with a Master's degree in English literature specializing in English Drama. Additionally, visiting faculty members from various art fields like music, dance, and painting provide extensive knowledge and exposure to the participants. Theatre training not only nurtures actors and directors but also instills valuable skills that enable trainees to excel and lead in any chosen career path.
Natrang takes pride in its 33 years of dedicated work in children's theatre in Jammu and Kashmir, having trained and inspired thousands of children. Many of its alumni have achieved remarkable success in various fields such as acting, management, civil services, medicine, engineering, judiciary, and social work. The confidence, spontaneity, self-exploration, creativity, reasoning, and discipline instilled through theatre serve as the ultimate strength and motivational force for success and excellence in all spheres of life. Natrang's creative initiatives have not only given a new cultural and intellectual identity to the region but have also produced outstanding human resources. |
