IPTA Balmanch is the children's wing of the Indian People's Theatre Association and was started with a view to inculcate in the young and growing minds a sense of appreciation and understanding for the performing arts.
It all began with a theatre workshop production of Munshi Premchand's short story 'Idgah' which premiered on 16th Sept. 1984 at Prithvi Theatre. Idgah was adapted as a play by Ranjeet Kapoor and directed by Madhu Malti. This play featured over 30 child artistes including Rajeshwari Sachdev and Shaad Ali among others.
Balmanch's second production was P.L.Deshpande's 'Naya Gokul', also directed by Madhu Malti.
IPTA Balmanch was instrumental in the early years of artistes and theatre personalities like Lubna Salim, Rajeshwari Sachdev, Sagar Arya, Shaili Sathyu and others.
Balmanch has organised theatre and music workshops over the past few years and is planning to make this a regular activity for its young members.
In 2006 IPTA Balmanch premiered Gulzar's Agar Aur Magar, directed by Salim Arif. This play has also been staged at the Jashne Bachpan 2006 at NSD New Delhi and the Mumbai Theatre Festival 2007 at Mumbai.
IPTA Mumbai hopes that it can continue its efforts in sensitizing children about the world around them through the medium of theatre and performing arts. |
