Theatre for kids: ‘Gogi Aur Jugnoo Ka Tamsha’ hits the stage

The Little Art launches first-ever performance for children.

LAHORE: In the world of acting and theatre, where stories are often performed for and by adults, The Little Art – an organisation aimed at empowering and educating children through art – launched its first-ever theatre performance titled ‘Gogi Aur Jugnoo Ka Tamasha’ on Friday.

The Little Art founder Sohaib Iqbal said the play was based on his childhood memories, one in particular: the experience of going to the cinema for the first time. “The cinema is often associated with imagination and feelings, so we have tried to capture the essence in the play,” he said.

Performed by two actors Uzma Ali and Umair Mushtaq, the 45-minute show revolves around a little girl who is bored at home. She finds an unusual friend to go on a journey of imagination where many of her wishes actually do come true. The play is co-directed by Imran Mushtar Nafees and Sohaib himself while Hasham Nasir and Imran have written the script.

According to Sohaib, The Little Art works for children and young people through various art forms.  This year they decided to do with theatre.

He said it was a multi-layered project as the organisation was cognisant of the fact that there was generally a lack of content for children in the media.

“There have been little or no films made for children in the country which has resulted in a dearth of content.

The subject matter shown on television is hardly art-based but always commercial,” Sohaib said.

Speaking about creating content that sits well with a child’s psychology, he said all of the activities were defined and applied through pedagogy.

Suitable for children aged between seven and 13, the play running at Ali Auditorium will end today.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 25^th, 2016.