Today we watched two plays at Jashn-e-bachpan, NSD.

The first was a Malayalam play about the environment. The kids could relate to much of the story without understanding the dialogues. After the play, apart from the story, we also talked about the age of the actors (all little kids), their fluency and flawlessness, the beautiful colours, props, lighting, sound, etc.

The second was an Assamese play. It had special children as part of the cast. Actually, there are one of two possibilities. Either the special children were fantastic actors. Or the children were exceptional actors who could copy the mannerisms of a special child without making it theatric. We had to leave midway because the kids were hungry.

Watching both plays, we realised that theatre provides a window not just to stories from other cultures, but also the language, clothing, houses, lifestyle, mannerisms, hairstyles, etc.

We had actually gone rushing for a Hindi play but it was running house full. We hadn't booked in advance because I wasn't expecting to be free today.

Tickets only ₹20. It would be a shame if you live in Delhi with kids and don't attend. Don't bother about the language, just go.