Mysuru: A five-day “Sanchalana Children’s Theatre Festival,” organised jointly by the Department of Kannada and culture and Niranthara Foundation, commenced yesterday at Kalamandira here.

Launching the Festival, MLA G.T. Devegowda opined that the talent, social concern and leadership qualities hidden in children should be brought out through theatre. However, he contended that staging a play with children as artistes was a tough proposition and hence, commended Niranthara Foundation in achieving the feat.

He said that children should be encouraged to take part in extra-curricular activities right from school level and sought the co-operation of theatre artistes in that context.

Continuing, Devegowda opined that theatre can critically examine social and political issues and added that grooming children in that sector would help them shape better in career and life.

Speaking on the occasion former Rangayana Director Chidambara Rao Jambe opined that the Government should encourage organisations like Niranthara Foundation which are actively involved in Children’s Theatre Festivals. Students of Daisy Convent presented the play ‘Madhyama Vyayoga.’

Today at 6.30 pm, Kukkarahalli Government School students will present ‘Punyakoti’ and students of Kadamba Ranga Vedike will present the play ‘Hakkigala Jeeva Bhava.’