Scenes from Howrah Vivekananda Institution’s Ek Annyarakam Golpo

The members of the local Johnny Club were at loggerheads over a sum of money which had come in the club’s fund. Some wanted to donate it for a good cause while another group wanted to use it for merriment. A heated argument and fight ensued for the next 50 minutes in Howrah Zilla School’s play, Baro Bhut staged at Shilpi Sangha’s theatre festival for schools titled ‘School Theke Manche’.

Chhuti by Howrah Sangha Adarsha Balika Vidyalaya

Keeping their books aside, the Class X and XII students of Howrah Zilla School, led by their Sanskrit teacher, Tanmoy Ranjan Das, put in their best effort to make their play successful this year.

“Shilpi Sangha’s theatre festival for school students is a good motivation for these young boys to do theatre. This is the third year that the theatre group has organised this festival and it has been a hit among students. Many of my students look forward to the festival. A similar festival was organised by Manchak this year for their 50th year celebration and we staged the same play there as well,” said Das. The festival was held from September 1 to 5 at Ramgopal Mancha and eight schools from Howrah town area participated in it.

Salkia Janata Adarsh Vidyalaya’s play Hum

Howrah Vivekananda Institution’s Bengali teacher, Chandan Halder, feels that the festival helps to bring out some talented students in the forefront. “I try to introduce some of the younger boys for the plays every year. There are some who are interested and like to take part in plays. But most of the others always shy away and do not like to participate. My challenge is to make these students take part in the plays to get rid of their stage fright,” he said. However, the task is not simple as classes and exams are always at stake.

This year’s play, Ek Annyarakam Golpo is a tale of a robber who later reformed into a good soul. “I needed a big cast for this play. The gang of robbers needed six other characters other than the main Bishu Dakat. I got some new boys to take part, although they were skeptical,” said Halder. Another significant task is convincing the guardians to let their children take part in the play. “They often complain that their wards are spending too much time acting, instead of concentrating on their studies. We have to convince them as well,” said Halder.

Other participants included Maria’s Day School, Salkia A S High School, Howrah Jogesh Chandra Girls’ School and Tarasundari Balika Vidyabhavan. Salkia Janta Adarsha Vidyalaya staged a Hindi play, Hum. “We provide all the backstage support required for staging the plays like make-up and lights. Theatre lessons are not a part of school curriculum. At least, students get some exposure to this form of art in this way,” said Amit Ghosh, the secretary of Shilpi Sangha.

Dalia Mukherjee
Pictures by Gopal Senapati