The project was implemented in 2014 in order to increase the awareness on the level of the children as well as the adult spectators. The storyline of the play focuses on women’s rights and touches sensitive issues such as alcoholism, domestic violence, suppression and others.
In order for efforts to prevail, it is the general feeling that other
groups within society need to be sensitised to the issue of women's
rights as well. On the one hand, the male adults, but also children and
adolescents. Children are an especially important resource when it comes
to addressing gender justice in a sustainable manner.
The "Street Play" pilot project was launched as a result of these
reflections. Involved in this project are children of both sexes at the
age of around ten years. In two chosen villages on the outskirts of
Madurai, CEWAS in co-operation with local schools has organised theatre
groups with around twelve participants each. A professional theatre
teacher conducts the preparations and rehearsals. The script –
especially written for this project – deals with issues such as
education, work and family life from a female perspective. Also
sensitive social issues such as the dowry tradition, financial debt and
alcoholism are addressed.
The play takes place in an outdoor village setting and in front of
the assembled community. In the villages Manjampatti and Veerapandi, who
were selected for the pilot project, several hundred people come to
watch the street play. Women and children usually sit in the front, near
the stage. Though most men watch the entertainment from further back,
it is at least encouraging to see them present and interested.
A lot
of work goes into the production and staging. Over several acts, the
message is conveyed through the medium of dialogue, song and dance. With
overwhelming enthusiasm the students interpret the drama and generally
receive a positive response and well-earned applause from the audience.
The socio-cultural animation within "Street Play" aims to plant
values and norms. The hoped-for response is an understanding of
equality, respect and solidarity. Using the mediums of drama, music and
dance, children‘s observations within everyday life can be challenged
and this of course includes the stereotypical gender images which
influence their social development from a young age. The goal of this
activity is not only to entertain, but to create awareness amongst these
children. It strives to make them aware of the role of women in society
and the fact that women of all ages and social background deserve
esteem and respect. The message (through play) also targets other
members of society and their views on women’s place in general.
It is the children of today who will define the nature of a future
society through their social action. Through "Street Play" CEWAS tries
to set this course at local level. True to the motto of Nelson Mandela "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world".
