Two festivals for children by National School of Drama

New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS) Avant-garde theatrical performances, exhibition of multihued traditional art forms from different states and a stimulating workshop - two major children's festivals at the National School of Drama (NSD) will begin in the capital Friday, provid7ing a treat for the kids.

Serving 22 productions from all over the country on a platter, 'Jashn-e-Bachpan', the National Theatre Festival for Children, will be on for 10 days beginning Friday.

As a special feature, there will be participation from the international arena as well in the festival.

Beginning two days later, NSD will also organize the Bal Sangam festival which will provide a platform for child artistes from across the country. The festival will be on till Oct 18.

A.K. Barua, an official of NSD, said that generally these festivals alternate every year. However this, being the golden jubilee year for the school, both the festivals will be held together.

'Jashn-e-Bachpan is all about theatrical performance art, while Bal Sangam is a fete of traditional art form, in which there will be live shows everyday for four hours,' Barua told IANS.

'Besides these there will also be workshops everyday in which anyone from the audience can participate and learn about the traditional art forms. These will not be restricted to children, even their parents can participate,' he added.