New Delhi, April 17 -- School theatre is synonymous with annual day performances-productions with familiar narratives and moral lessons. Programmes like Summertime at Prithvi and Summer Fiesta at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA)-both in Mumbai-have long provided young audiences with theatre created for them, but performed by professional adult actors. These festivals carry forth the ethos of 'Theatre for Young Audiences' (TYA), an international field dedicated to creating high-quality, age-appropriate theatre that respects young viewers as discerning audiences.

In Mumbai, while dedicated companies like Gillo Repertory Theatre produce thoughtful work for young audiences year-round, much of the theatre made for children r...