Child artistes enthralled audience with their performances

Prayagraj: When Ahilyabai’s justice, courage and leadership came alive on stage and Maharani Lakshmibai’s sword challenged the British rule, the entire auditorium became witness to the glorious moments of history. The powerful dialogues, emotional acting and impressive staging of the child artists left the audience emotional. During the presentation, the entire auditorium resonated with slogans of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ and ‘Vande Mataram’. The audience encouraged the child artists with thunderous applause on the patriotic scenes.
On the second day of ‘Bal Rang Utsav’ organised by North Central Zone Cultural Centre, Prayagraj, Ministry of Culture, Government of India under ‘Theatre in Education’, a spectacular performance of plays based on the lives of two great personalities of history, Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar and Maharani Lakshmibai was held in the centre auditorium on Wednesday.
The play “Ahilyabai” was staged by child actors from Nivedita Shiksha Sadan, Varanasi, under the direction of Umesh Bhatia. The play presented Ahilyabai Holkar as a skilled ruler, as well as a symbol of justice, compassion, leadership, and women’s empowerment.
Ahilyabai’s life struggles, her administrative abilities, her sense of public welfare, and her firm decisions were effectively portrayed on stage. The play deeply embodied Indian philosophy and values. The presentation conveyed the message that women are not merely witnesses to circumstances, but also a force that can change the course of history. Ahilyabai’s life continues to inspire women’s empowerment and leadership.
When Laxmibai’s roar echoed on the stage: This was followed by the production of “Maharani Lakshmibai,” directed by Dr. Himanshu Dwivedi. The play transported the audience directly to the era of the First War of Independence of 1857. This presentation was inspired by Subhadra Kumari Chauhan’s famous poem ‘Jhansi Ki Rani’ included in the class 6 syllabus and the play ‘Neev Ka Patthar’ included in the class 7 syllabus.
The play depicts the British’s desire to take over Jhansi, but Rani Lakshmibai resolves to fight to protect her motherland. The circumstances facing her become increasingly difficult, but her courage and self-respect remain unshaken.
Juhi and Mundar boosted the queen’s morale. Raghunath Rao, as commander, handled the war strategy, while Tatya Tope supported the queen in the struggle for independence. Ramchandra demonstrated his loyalty and bravery. As the representative of the British government, Gora exposed the British’s strategies and conspiracies. Amidst war, conflict, betrayal and adverse circumstances, Laxmibai fought valiantly till the last moment and made the supreme sacrifice for the motherland.
Through their performances, the child actors demonstrated that the contributions of every soldier, companion, and ally who stood alongside Lakshmibai on the battlefield are equally significant in history. The performance not only chronicles Lakshmibai’s heroic saga but also serves as a tribute to the countless heroes who sacrificed their lives for the nation.
Child artists won the hearts of the audience
In the theatrical presentations, Reshma played Ahilyabai Holkar, Unnati played Malhar Rao, and Aparna played a terrorist, earning audience praise for their stellar performances. The child actors, including Laxmibai, Juhi, Mundar, Raghunath Rao, Tatya, Ramchandra, and Gora, brought the stage to life with their powerful performances.
The dialogue delivery, expressions and stage discipline of the child artists proved that theatre not only enhances the acting talent of children but also connects them with history, literature, culture and social values.
The program started with the lighting of the lamp: The program was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by Chief Guest Acharya Amita Pandey, Department of Philosophy, Ishwar Sharan Degree College, Prayagraj; Special Guest Co-Acharya Surendra Kumar, Department of Music, Allahabad University, Prayagraj; Center Director Sudesh Sharma, Deputy Director Dr. Mukesh Upadhyay and Program Advisor Kalpana Sahay.
On this occasion, the chief guest and center director encouraged all the child artists participating in the theatrical performances by presenting them with certificates. The theater directors were honored with robes, plants, and mementos. The principal of Jwala Devi Vidya Mandir Intermediate, along with a large number of students, were present at the event.