he inclusion of theatre, performing arts and dramatics in a school’s curriculum plays an integral role in the holistic development of children. These creative disciplines go beyond conventional education methods, offering children opportunities to grow, learn and thrive. Through theatre, children are able to explore skills that help them far beyond the stage.

At Kiran Foundation, a charitable organisation in Lyari that works for education and empowerment, Atif Badar volunteered to create magic for children by engaging in creative movements and theatrical arts to nurture vital communication skills in children with the help of diverse voiceovers. Badar conducted theatre exercises with the children and engage them in various activities focused on nurturing self-expression.

The workshop catered to two distinct age groups: 8 to 12 years old and 16 to 20 years old. Throughout the workshop, the children seemed to enjoy the performances. They wholeheartedly engaged in every activity. From participation to dialogues and storytelling, each segment held their rapt attention. They were, in fact, reluctant to leave when it was time to conclude the session.

Sabeen Naz, the programme lead of the Beyond the School initiative by Kiran Foundation, Lyari, said that mental health and well-being were at the heart of every activity conducted by the organisation.

“Because these children are exposed to trauma and abuse very frequently, all our endeavours – from theatre workshops to curriculum development activities - are geared towards addressing those. We hope to move towards a trauma-informed education system,” said Naz, adding that such workshops were vital for children. “We firmly believe that dialogue and expression are instrumental in nurturing confidence. We extend our sincere gratitude to Atif Badar for conducting these exercises.”

Badar focused on a stylised way of delivering lines, conveying emotions through body language and improvising responses. This enabled students to become more expressive and convey a message with greater impact. These skills are invaluable in all aspects of life, from classroom discussions to household dynamics and job interviews.

As Badar initiated activities such as acting, dancing and improvisation, the children were encouraged to step out of their comfort zone, build resilience and a willingness to take on new challenges. 

The workshop also provided a platform for children to explore their creativity and imagination. By stepping into various characters’ shoes and enacting diverse scenarios, the children were able to think outside the box. They were joined in these sessions by their teachers. Creative thinking is a cornerstone of problem-solving and innovation. These skills are increasingly important in a rapidly changing world. For this reason, we must prepare our children well, Badar said.

Special attention was paid to fostering a strong sense of collaboration and teamwork among students. The theatre exercises brought students closer, teaching them how to combine their individual talents to create cohesion and impact.

It is important to let students go through emotions and experiences that help cultivate essential interpersonal skills. This prepares them for successful interactions both within the school environment and in their future endeavours.

With Badar’s session, it was clear that theatre was a lot more than an ‘optional’ extracurricular activity. His directives throughout the session indicated that theatre was indeed an indispensable tool in nurturing communication and creativity.

By immersing themselves in the world of performing arts, the students learned to appreciate arts and acquired a well-rounded skill set that will continue to serve them for the rest of their lives. Such workshops should be conducted more frequently for children in schools.

As Badar initiated activities such as acting, dancing and improvisation, the children were encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and build resilience and a willingness to take on new challenges.

By integrating regular performing arts workshops into the school curriculum, educators provide students with a well-rounded education that goes beyond textbooks and examinations, nurturing their emotional intelligence, communication abilities and a lifelong appreciation of the arts.

As schools continue to recognise the transformative impact of these disciplines, integrating theatre and performing arts into the core curriculum can pave the way for more confident, imaginative and socially adept individuals.

The writer is a freelance journalist based in Karachi