London-based theatre group teaches Mumbai's tiny tots, parents

How many times have you scolded your child for not giving his toy to another child, and snatching it away from him? If you’ve lost count, you might not be aware that such behavior could leave a mental scar in his mind. Now, a London-based theatre group is hoping to increase the level of sensitivity among Indian parents in a unique way.

London Talents, a theatre group known for its concept of ‘education in theatre’ is currently in the city rehearsing for their first show in India on Saturday at Prithvi Theatre in Juhu.

After doing over 100 shows in the United Kingdom, United States and Australia, the group has now set foot on Indian shores. Jumana Kapadia, a Mumbaikar and founder of the UK-based group, who has lived in London for the last decade, told DNA, “When we try to teach our kids about sharing, sometimes our ways are wrong. When we snatch away a child’s toy and give it to another, s/he may think that s/he is not as important as the other child. It’s the same when a child interrupts a game, which leads to reprimands and sometimes, even physical punishment.”

“We may feel that we have done justice, but neurologists say otherwise. And London Theatre has originated from this need to make parents aware of the consequences of their action,” said Kapadia.
 
The non-verbal and interactive show, of 30-minutes duration, is said to engage young viewers and has been prepared after intensive research with the help of educationists and neurologists.

The cast is made up of three actors - Grant, 40, Alice, 30, and Emma, 29, who will be performing the roles of children. An educationist will also be interacting with parents. Kapadia adds, “We are not going to teach anything in a direct verbal way. Kids of a tender age can imbibe values more efficiently with visual aids rather than through unidirectional commands.” A total of 35 shows in Mumbai and Delhi have been planned.