Street play (Nukkad)
Street play or Nukkad, is a form of theatrical performance and presentation in outdoor public spaces like street corners and public parks and watched by large number of people of that locality. Earlier, it used to be a source of providing information to the common man when mass media like television had not gained momentum. But it still continues to be a wonderful platform to connect with the people and in educating them. It is a cost- effective tool hardly demanding any elaborate arrangements or props. For this reason street plays are gaining popularity in rural areas and slums to address the local problems.
Group III balvikas students can organize such street plays, addressing the common problems being faced in rural and slum areas and creating awareness among the people living there. By allotting minor roles of the play to local boys, it can be made more inclusive. It helps in engendering a sense of collective responsibility on the part of those witnessing the street play.
Guidelines:
The themes of the plays should reflect the specific problems being faced in rural areas like-
- Importance of educating the children, especially the girl child, adult education, cleanliness, religious tolerance, evils of smoking and alcohol, domestic abuses, communal harmony, time management, digitalisation etc.
- Such plays are to be staged periodically and on a regular basis in order to bring about the expected changes in the attitude of the local residents.
- Short plays but loud and larger than life portrayal where the exchange is close, direct and intimate.
- Sensitive themes are to be avoided.
- Organising and performing such street plays helps in grooming the balvikas students as socially responsible citizens. As they grow up, they will be able to connect with weaker section people easily, understand their problems and resolve to work for them.