One of the hit plays 'Totto Chan' by city's theatre troupe Vihaan Drama Works was staged beautifully at Raipur. The play was performed on Monday at Raipur’s JM Pandya auditorium.
The play received a good response by the audience. Interestingly, among the audience a group of children was also seemed enjoying every bit of the play. The play is based on a Japanese novel ‘Medogiwa no Totto Chan’ written by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. Directed by Sourabh Anant, the play was performed by the artists of Vihaan Drama Works.
The play will also be performed on January 9, 10 and 29 at Raipur.
The play begins with Totto Chan’s mother coming to know of her daughter's expulsion from public school. Her mother realizes that what Totto Chan needs is a school where more freedom of expression is permitted. Thus, she takes Totto Chan to meet the headmaster of the new school, Mr. Kobayashi. From that moment a friendship is formed between master and pupil.
The play goes on to describe the times that Totto Chan has, the friends she makes, the lessons she learns, and the vibrant atmosphere that she imbibes. All of these are presented beautifully on stage through the eyes of a child.
It described Mr. Kobayashi as a man who understands children and strives to develop their qualities of mind; body and his concern for the physically handicapped and his emphasis on the equality of all children are remarkable.
The play ends on a sad note when their school Tomoe is destroyed in the bombing of World War II. But, Mr. Kobayashi tells children that he will built a better school.
The play was beautifully staged with vibrant lighting designs and melodious music by Hemant Deolaker.