CHENNAI: Imagine Harishchandra and seven other epitomes of goodness from our ithihas and puranas dancing on the dais — where performers are 200 children with special needs. Bringing this reality to life is RASA (Ramana Sunritya Aalaya) through their mega theatre production starring 200 chidlren who are differently-abled.
City Express made its way to meet the cast and crew of the production, Jaya, after their rehearsal at Narada Gana Sabha. “For a regular production with such special children in school, the spectators tend to pity them and say ‘Aiyo paavum, despite his disabilities he did it’. No, I don’t want that here. What I want them to say is ‘It was great’ and that’s it,” said Ambika Kameshwar, director and scriptwriter of Jaya. “We tend to look at what is not there when it comes to disability. But this is an opportunity to see what is there!”
Janaki, one of the special children, said, “My interest lies entirely in dancing. I believe I’m a good dancer and I absolutely love the stage,”
Fifty one-year-old Ambika wrote the script in June keeping in mind that children from eight different centres would take part in her production. She chose eight stories, revolving around the simple concept – moment of victory. “I chose eight characters, including Yudhishtra, Alagammal, Kundalika, Shabari and Shibby Chakravathy. I already knew which of these kids would fit in the roles,” she said.
Harishchandra, played by V M Bharath, turned out to be cheeky. When City Express asked him if he ever stuck to the truth like his character, he nodded his head with innocence. He pulled his tongue out when Ambika, who knew him very well, questioned him again.
With just two full-length rehearsals, apart from the individual rehearsals at the different centres, the team is confident about the production. Dharani, who plays the role of Kundalika says, “This is my fifth role. Earlier I have played Srimathi, Sita, Bharatmata and an old woman. I am really happy with what I do.”
Masand, who was sacrificing his festival, Bakrid, to be a part of the production that is to be held on Thursday is just one example of how excited the kids are to be part of the performance. Ambika is satisfied not only because her special children are looking forward to the production but also because each one of them are learning something out of their roles.
“There is Alagammal, the one who loves and there is Shabari who represents patience. The kids love these stories and I hope these characters will make my kids a slightly different human being,” she said.When asked Dharani what she learnt from her role, she immediately replied, “I need to always take care of my parents.”
The production would begin like a movie and continues with interludes before Yudhistra and Shabari make their appearance on stage. It will be held at Narada Gana Sabha, TTK Road at 6pm on September 24. For details, call 04424957607.