Kathputli Puppet Shows for Schools and Students
I believe art lives in the hearts of the next generation. From St. Xavier’s to IIT Delhi, I bring our traditional Rajasthani Kathputli storytelling directly to students, mixing live performance with hands-on demonstrations to show them that our traditions are very much alive.
Performing for a packed auditorium of students at St. Xavier's High School. Their energy and laughter prove that this art is not dying; it is loved by the new generation.
We received a warm welcome from the students at Uttam School for Girls. This video shows our arrival and the setup for our puppet demonstration and show.
A quick tour of the auditorium at IIT Delhi before our performance. It is an honour to bring our traditional art to the students of such a prestigious institution.
A performance in front of an auditorium full of school students. We often mix entertainment with education, showing them how the puppets work and telling them stories from our culture.
More moments from our visit to Uttam School for Girls, where we conducted a puppet show and demonstration for the students.
About Sharing Our Art with Students
Schools often ask me if the show is just entertainment, but my sessions are about connection. During these visits, I do not just perform; I explain the mechanics of the strings, show how we carve the wood, and let the students touch the puppets themselves. It is a bridge between the classroom and our Rajasthani heritage, designed to keep this tradition thriving by making it relatable to young minds.
Why Schools Invite Aakaar Puppet Theatre
My goal is to make Kathputli a living part of school culture, not just a dusty artifact in a textbook. When I walk into an auditorium at places like IIT Delhi or Uttam School for Girls, I see students who have never seen a string puppet before. That moment of discovery is where the real magic happens.
What the Session Includes
- The Performance: A 45 to 60-minute narrative featuring classics like 'Amar Singh Rathore' or 'Dhola Maru.' I perform these with live Dholak accompaniment and the signature whistling voice that my father taught me.
- The Technical Talk: Older students often ask about the engineering. I show them how we manipulate the strings for complex movements, like lifting weights or performing Kathak steps, and explain the papier-mâché and wood carving process.
- Hands-on Interaction: We always keep time at the end for students to hold the puppets. Touching the wood, feeling the weight, and seeing the intricate costumes up close creates a memory that lasts longer than any lecture.
A Cultural Lesson for Students
I tell them that Kathputli is not dying; it is simply waiting for a new audience. By bringing our 'parampara' (tradition) to schools, I help students understand the value of folk art. Whether it is an annual fest, a cultural day, or a dedicated workshop, I customize the narrative to ensure it resonates with the age group, from primary school kids to university students.
Looking for a different kind of performance?
Explore other cultural acts and workshops available for your next school or private event.
More from Rajasthani Puppet Shows (Kathputli) by Aakaar Puppet Theatre
More services by Aakaar Puppet Theatre