Discover How Students Use Theatre to Unravel Complex Connections with the Environment | Pune News – The Times of India

Pune is set to come alive on Saturday at Chittaranjan Vatika Garden in Model Colony. Students from 40 schools will showcase their talents during the grand finale of the 10th Environmental Theatre Festival. This year’s theme is ‘Earth’s Future – Our Responsibility.’

The festival, organized by We the Artists and supported by the Sumbaran Art Foundation, aims to inspire young people to care for the environment through the art of theatre. Over 800 students have already participated in this event, presenting 30 performances in the earlier rounds held in January.

During the grand finale, twelve exceptional performances will take the stage. These shows, each lasting about 20 minutes, will be in English, Hindi, and Marathi. The students will tackle environmental issues, share their insights, and suggest solutions, all while entertaining the audience with song and dance.

Abhishek Kawitkar, the founder of We the Artists, emphasized the importance of this initiative. He wants to create a generation that isn’t just aware of environmental problems but actively seeks solutions. He believes that theatre offers a unique way for children to express their ideas and concerns in a memorable format. Plus, it’s free for everyone to join in and enjoy the performances.

One of the plays features an engaging conversation between an earthworm and a farmer, highlighting their roles on the farm. Another performance showcases a dialogue among different pollinators like bees and butterflies, exploring their significance in our ecosystem.

Teachers are also deeply involved in these projects. Babita Banerjee, from SNBP International School, has been preparing her troupe of 30 students since November. Their play begins with a tragic scene where a fawn is killed by a vehicle, pointing to the dangers animals face due to urban development.

At Navi Marathi Shala, teacher Sonali Munde shared that her students created a narrative around the journey of a grain of wheat. This story illustrates the various stages of plant growth, and former students assisted with creating the set using natural materials.

This festival is more than just a performance; it’s a lively platform for young environmentalists to share their messages and creativity. It shows how theatre can be a powerful tool for change.