The fifth Kids at Play workshop conducted by Professor Neluka Silva has started once again. It all began in 2004 with a small group of children as an experiment and speaking to Neluka, she said that since then the "workshop has grown extremely," and at present 45 kids between the ages of eight and 13 years, have registered for the programme and all this was within two days of sending out details on email, adding that she is very grateful to the parents who have supported her right throughout.

Prof. Neluka Silva

These workshops will end with a three day performance at the end of September, this year. And just like in the previous years, this year too there will be a theme, which will focus on mixed-up priorities.

The three plays which focus on this theme, will be, Mixed-up Tales, Sarah Perera Saves the School and Uniformity Limited. The first and the third play interestingly were devised by the kids, while the second was written by Neluka's daughter Nimaya Harris with help from Simon Harris.

The plays have come about as a result of the exploration of several aspects of drama, which include breathing, voice, movement, imagination and also the technical aspects of theatre. In addition, the kids also get a chance to learn about the importance of concentration as well as to be confident in what they do.

They have also learnt to write little stories, to develop characters and also to act either with words or with miming alone – all techniques which are bound to come in handy in theatre.

Chantal Hatch (12) said "This is my first time at the workshop," adding that, "I also learnt elocution at the Yoland School and I have taken part in plays with Aunty Sammy." Being a student of Ladies College she said that she watched the Interact Drama Competition and liked the plays performed there and had also liked to watch Oliver Twist. With regard to the workshop she had this to say, "It's really fun," adding, "You get to be a different character and find ways to express yourself." She also went on to say, "I've learnt a lot about how to act and how to be confident on stage."

Another first timer at the workshop, Tasha Ratwatte (12), a student of Colombo International School, shares the same sentiments in terms of developing confidence on stage through the workshops adding that "It gives you that happy feeling," and said, "I feel like I have learnt something at the end of every day at the workshop."

Such workshops are a platform for children to learn something new in terms of theatre and on life in general. And observing them at one of their bi-weekly practises, it was clear to see that they have all gelled together, since starting off around March this year, and are having a fantastic time.

All the fun and hard work will certainly culminate to an interesting three days of theatre for kids, in September.