Bewarish: When Theatre Became a Second Chance at Life
What if a stage could become a place of healing?
What if clapping was more than an act of appreciation and a symbol of acceptance?
This is the story of the production Bewarish, one of the most impressive achievements of Kolahal Theatre Workshop.
Different from any stage performance, Bewarish united people recovering from drug addiction and turned them into performers. With the help of theatre workshops, rehearsals, body movement, voice training, improvisation and teamwork, people found back something they've lost a long time ago – confidence, meaning and hope.
The idea behind such an impressive project belongs to Nigiil Akkaraa. His views on theatre are much wider than those of entertainment; for a long time he believed in the rehabilitation potential of performing arts. Guided by him, theatre turns into a place where people can freely express their emotions and thoughts, without any fear of being judged.
Each rehearsal of Bewarish turned into the process of reconstruction of life. People were learning discipline, trust, communication and responsibility while collaborating with others towards the same goal. Stage became their new identity; they were no longer the victims of drug addiction but creative and strong personalities.
Bewarish is especially impressive because of the fact that the transformation was real both off and on the stage. Spectators saw not only an interesting play but also the courage of people who decided to change their lives.
Such a play shows the mission of the organisation as a whole as Kolahal Theatre Workshop aims at empowering marginalized people through theatre therapy, drama therapy and community theatre. In the course of its activities, the organisation has been working with recovering drug addicts, people with traumatic backgrounds, disabled children, prisoners and other people who have little chance to be heard.
When addiction carries the stigma of life long shame, Bewarish shows us how healing can happen when someone gets a chance to show his creative side. Theatre does not forget the past but creates an opportunity to have a future.
Art always has reflected society. Bewarish is a proof that it is able to transform it.
If you are interested in community theatre, theatre therapy, drama therapy or are looking for the best acting school in Kolkata, inclusive acting classes or performing arts for social change, then Bewarish can serve as a perfect example of how theatre can change someone's life.
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