“It was a challenge but a lovely experience for all of us. A mixed group of children with disabilities, some with problem of hearing; some having difficulty in speaking; some slow learners and few physically impaired along with children’s club members and pre school teachers were awaiting to see whether they could be selected to perform in the drama, that Navajeevana planned to staged to mark its 20th Anniversary. It was a ten day workshop to begin with. First I have to assess their talents and interests through little exercises that gave them space to perform as actors, dancers, singers, etc,. Morning sessions started with physical exercises to the music, conducted by pre-school teachers, followed by theatre games to understand their abilities of expressing what comes into their minds.

We wanted to understand the problems they are challenged with as well as the dreams that they love to come true. In small groups, they discussed while the trainers facilitated the discussions. End of the exercise they came up with a list of problems and dreams. Then they were asked to develop two songs: one on dreams and the other on problems, to a tune of two songs that they love. Those who can sing, sang different songs and others selected the ones they liked. Then was the real challenge! They have to describe all the problems & dreams in the tune of the two songs, which they did in about an hour… amazing.

In this drama, the story line was also developed with them, illustrating all the problems they encountered in their day-to-day life as those with disabilities. One by one each scene was developed, explaining them the situation and asking them to discuss and perform in groups. Trainers’ duty was to take all good parts of those group performances, to finalise the scene. It was in true sense a very participatory production.

The uniqueness of this drama is that, the workshop was not to select the performers, but to include all who participated irrespective of their capacity but the interest they have shown in participating. Every little talent was taken into account and everyone was given a chance to perform. What is so special is that, the environment of the drama – A Jungle, provided children, especially the slow learners freedom to choose when to perform and when not to perform. Thus, no one is excluded as they have many choices and freedom to decide.