Bringing pages to stage

The library corner at the American Centre, US Consulate General Chennai, was abuzz with energy, a kaleidoscope of colours as women, draped in saris, filled the room.

- AASHNA REDDY

The library corner at the American Centre, US Consulate General Chennai, was abuzz with energy, a kaleidoscope of colours as women, draped in saris, filled the room. Teachers predominantly made up the crowd, with only a couple of men scattered among them. Chairs were arranged before a large screen, where a captivating session was unfolding. Standing at the centre of it all was Kritika Dhiwahar, an animated educator and Fulbright Fellow, who had transformed the room into a lively theatre of learning.

"Oh God, such a heavy task! Such a burden!" Kritika exclaimed, mimicking the voice of an ant and eliciting chuckles from her audience. She invited participants to act out the narrative, prompting them with dialogue and actions. The segment, 'Let's Pause and Pose', encouraged improvisation and laughter while seamlessly weaving scientific concepts into the storytelling.