Jaipur: An engaging theatrical presentation of “Bhugol Ka Bhuchaal” (The Tremor of Geography) was staged under the Theatre in Education initiative at Shaheed Lieutenant Abhay Pareek Government School, Gandhi Nagar, Jaipur.
The programme was organised with the support of the North Central Zone Cultural Centre, Prayagraj, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the Education Department, Government of Rajasthan.
The play was the outcome of a month-long workshop on Theatre in Education, which began on July 3 and continued until July 30 at Shaheed Lieutenant Abhay Pareek Girls Government School, Gandhi Nagar. The workshop was conducted by Curio Team under the direction of Gagan Mishra, with Samarth Shandilya serving as assistant. The final presentation was staged at the school’s Gargi Auditorium.
Based on Chapter 2, ‘Geomorphology,’ from the Class 11 Geography curriculum, the play successfully transformed textbook concepts into an engaging and experiential theatrical performance.
The Story
“Bhugol Ka Bhuchaal” is an entertaining and thought-provoking play based on the concept of Theatre in Education. Inspired by Chapter 2, Geomorphology, of the Geography textbook, the play presents academic information through an imaginative narrative, enabling students to not only study geography but also experience and understand it in an enjoyable and accessible manner.
The story raises questions about the exploitation of nature by human beings. The Himalayas and the Western Ghats appear as human characters and present their geographical features, significance and environmental roles in a simple and engaging manner. The Ganga and Godavari rivers also highlight their geographical characteristics described in the curriculum, while drawing attention to pollution caused by humans and its harmful consequences.
Towards the end, a powerful chorus depicts humanity acknowledging its mistakes and taking a pledge to pursue balanced development in harmony with nature. Through the Theatre in Education approach, the play brought the Geography curriculum to life while conveying an important message about environmental conservation, sensitivity towards nature and individual responsibility.
For 25 Class 11 students, including Bharati Verma, Swati, Anjali, Neelam, Saloni, Riya Kumari, Sarita, Radhika, Sanjana, Gehna, Aanchal, Neha Vaishnav and Vanshika, among others, the performance marked their first experience of acting on stage. The students enthusiastically participated in the production and presented the concepts of Geography through theatre with creativity and confidence.