- Hosted at The Hive, a vibrant community space in Ahmedabad, the programme invites children to immerse themselves in the full spectrum of theatre, from scripting and acting to stage design and backstage management
- Elephants in Pink Pajama (EIPP), a theatre programme for children aged 8 to 14 is rooted in collaboration, curiosity and character-building and play
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, SEPT 5
In a world where after-school hours are often consumed by screens, one programme is quietly changing the script. Tucked inside The Hive, a creative community space located at Satellite in Ahmedabad, is a children’s theatre programme, where children are scripting, staging and stepping into stories of their own making. Elephants in Pink Pajama (EIPP), a theatre programme for children aged 8 to 14 is rooted in collaboration, curiosity and character-building and play, it lets children discover their voices, build confidence, and learn by doing.
All-encompassing art form catches them young
Born during the socially distant days of the pandemic, EIPP was The Hive’s heartfelt response to what children had missed most: connection, says Kruti Shah, Founder of The Hive. “We started with 5 children with a sole objective of helping them deepen connections with themselves, and their peers – while exploring an all-encompassing art form that would blossom their creativity, and self-confidence both. And since then, the programme has grown into something far more enduring. Through literature, movement, music, and visual arts, children are guided to explore theatre in its full spectrum.”
Creativity gets recognition
In four years, over 70 children have participated, with half returning season after season. Two of the EIPP participants have gone on to act in advertisements for GSRTC, Bankers,’ Hospital, Tripology Holidays, Hindi and Marathi short films, and a short film created by NID students, after successfully clearing auditions for the roles, adds Shah.
The founders believe that this programme goes far beyond teaching theatre. It gives children a reason to show up every weekend, to connect, create and grow together. Through peer-to-peer learning and collaborative storytelling, they are not just learning stagecraft, but life skills that stay with them.
Hive builds self-confidence, says Chahna Patel
For 13-year-old Chahna Patel, who has tried other theatre classes before, this one felt different. “I have learned that theatre is not just about acting, it’s about expression. It teaches you how to handle emotions, how to react when something unexpected happens on stage, like when your partner forgets their line. Before this, my confidence was really low and I struggled with communication. Now, I feel more confident of myself.”
Express, explore, and even make mistakes to learn
Another long-standing member of the programme, eleven-year-old Anayaa Acharya feels that she has not only improved her communication but built confidence and overcome stage fear. She says, “The Hive is very different from a regular school where everything is formal. Here, we feel more open and empowered as we are encouraged to express, explore, and even make mistakes.”
By the children & for the children
Each season features a 15+ session intensive curriculum, culminating in a showcase performance created entirely by the children. The programme integrates team-building exercises, storytelling, voice modulation, emotional literacy through Navrasas, movement, etc.
All-rounders in the making
Summing up his experience, Aayaansh Agarwal, 9, says that he loves being deeply involved in the process rather than just being on the stage. “We do not just act here. We learn to express with our voice (vachikam), build a story, and control unnecessary actions. All of this is very different from school where we only do a few scenes.”
Learning from peers
For twelve-year-old Aparna Shah, being a part of EIPP has helped her to know herself a little better. “I have not just known myself but also understand what others bring in. It has pushed me to stretch my boundaries and in the process, I have learned to accept that not everything will go the way I imagine.”
Over the years, the children have created performances on all kinds of themes, from street plays, mimes and courtroom dramas to stories about the environment, mystery adventures, pirates, and funny, quirky ideas.
An ideal environment for nurturing creativity
Sharing her experience, Deepal Patel, whose daughter is part of the theatre programme says, “As a mother, one of the things I value the most is peace of mind. For those two hours, I know my child is in a safe, hygienic and nurturing environment. You have to experience it to understand it. The Hive is building a community of people who want to indulge in anything creative and passionate and that is reflected in their philosophy. Be it Martial Arts, music, reviving board game culture or theatre.”
