VIJAYAWADA: A three-day state-level children’s theatre festival took off on a colourful note on the premises of Montessori High School here on Friday. More than 200 children, aged between five and 16, showcased the artist in them at the event. The theatre fest was organised by the Department of School Education and the Directorate of Jawahar Bal Bhavan. The young participants displayed their art they learnt from the Bal Bhavan instructors in their respective districts. This Saturday, a competition would be held to shortlist candidates for Bala Surya and Bala Ratna awards.
About 50 candidates from 10 Bal Bhavans and 11 Bala Kendras from across the state would take part in the final competition on Sunday. The event was inaugurated by five-year-old girl C Likitha Reddy, who was accompanied by her fellow participants. Some of the jaw-dropping performances at the venue left the audience surprised.Also, morning walks, on the occasion, for young artistes on Saturday and Sunday are being organised from PWD Grounds.
Students of the classical dance form Bharatnatyam from Bal Bhavan and Bal Kendra performed on Friday at the venue. They were also scheduled to perform on the remaining two days of the theatre festival.
VN Mastanaiah, the director of Jawahar Bal Bhavan said, “The event is being organised every year and children eagerly wait for this event to showcase their skills. As many as 235 children from all over the state participated in cultural programmes and performed Bharatanatyam and other activities. The registration of participants is also going on successfully.”