An underdiscussed and overlooked form of theatre, children’s theatre inherently makes an effort to perceive the world through progressive eyes. In India, it traces its roots back to traditional storytelling, evolving from ancient oral folklore into a professional practice. Yet, this form is often not taken seriously, frequently limited to school annual days and functions. Recently, Theatre Collage; a troupe based in Thane, Maharashtra solely dedicated to producing theatre with a bunch of youngsters has staged its sixth production Bablya Che Dost 5Ghost (Bablya’s 5 Ghost Friends). Though considered a children’s play (Baal-naatika), it commands a mature understanding that is so impressive even the adults walk away with valuable lessons.
Bablya Che Dost 5Ghost presented by Subodh Bhave is a coming-of-age Marathi play set in a rural village in Maharashtra, featuring several characters of a similar age. The family matriarch, Ajji (played by Varsha Dandale), welcomes her urban-raised grandson and his friends to her ancestral village home for a few days of vacation. Bablya (played by Mayur Sarkale), an adolescent orphan and a village local who helps Ajji and the neighbors, quickly befriends the young guests. The play follows the bittersweet relationship between Bablya and his newly made friends. However, Bablya’s true companions are the five elements of nature (fire, sky, water, earth, and air), who care for him whenever he feels isolated and help him realize his potential. Will the city children adjust to this remote rural setup, and will they recognize Bablya’s friendly and innocent intentions?
The play touches upon a range of relevant topics, from mobile addiction among children to the vital importance of farming. Alongside the enchanting writing by Siddhesh Salvi, which earned meaningful claps in the dialogues like “We bought phones to bring the distant closer, only to let them make the closest distant” (originally in Marathi, translated in English) the direction and performances truly stand out, making the experience immersive. As one viewer complimented, “The children were not just acting on stage because they were told to; everyone had a profound impact.” Furthermore, the evocative music by Abhijeet Kambli keeps the audience humming along, supported by Shyam Chavan’s captivating lighting design.
A long list of backstage and production artists contributes to this wonderful production. Its masterful direction, jointly handled by Santosh Saraf and Abhijeet Kambli, is a genuine gift to the stage. The story, conceptualized by Pallavi Wagh (who is also the founder of this tight-knit theater school), creates hilarious scenarios while effortlessly evoking deeper emotions when needed. The production’s brilliance also shines through in its set and prop design; Sumit Patil and Amit Tirlotkar created the stage elements using eco-friendly and waste materials, practicing the exact morals the play preaches.
The veteran actor Paresh Rawal once said, “If a play bores the audience, it is the biggest disappointment for the artists.” However, the audience at this performance was fully engaged and interactive throughout the entire run. The staging on May 16th at Prabodhankar Thackeray Natya Mandir (Mini Auditorium) marked its tenth show, with more performances lined up in Mumbai. For details and booking, you can browse BookMyShow and follow the play’s social media handles. This experience is highly recommended, and its magic will surely revive your inner child. As one audience member beautifully shared, “A play that encourages children to grow up, and reminds grown-ups to be children.”
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