Katha Dhara Hyderabad event brings theatre to government school students

Stories find a stage this weekend in Hyderabad as Katha&Krafts, an activity hub for children to promote learning through storytelling hosts Katha Dhara, its first offline Telugu event for students from six government schools, including Amma Social Welfare Association, a learning centre in Shadnagar.

Scheduled for March 28, the non-profit initiative will bring around 120 children from underserved backgrounds together for theatre and puppetry. Bhoomika Theatre will present three Telugu stories using live music and performance, while Sphoorthi Theatre will stage a puppet show, 31 Dosalu, a humorous folktale.

“The event is also a way to show children that they can step away from screens and engage in more meaningful activities,” says Katha&Krafts founder Kshamatha Chepuri. “Screen exposure is no longer limited to urban spaces; even in rural areas, children often lack access to after-school activities or guidance.”

Renu Chamarthy during a session
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Special Arrangement

The initiative hopes to encourage children to connect with others, create crafts, play together and share stories. “They might even take these ideas back to their communities,” she adds.

Originally planned for March 22 to mark World Storytelling Day and World Puppetry Day (March 20), the event was rescheduled due to exams and availability. “With this year’s theme, ‘Light in the Dark’, we hope to be that light offering children a way beyond screen time and a larger-than-life experience in an auditorium,” she says.

Virtual event

Enthusiastic participation from a group of students
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Special Arrangement

Kshamatha launched Katha Dhara as a virtual storytelling initiative in 2020, a year after losing her best friend to cancer. “This was just before COVID, and I didn’t even get a chance to meet her because she was in the UK,” recalls the professional storyteller.

Around that time, she came across the NGO I Can Volunteer, which works with children undergoing cancer treatment in Hyderabad. “It wasn’t about money, but about one-on-one human connection, engaging them through stories, games or anything that could bring some change,” she says.

Her fundraising efforts continued beyond the pandemic, supporting cancer patients financially. In one instance, the team raised funds for a young girl whose surgery was successful, but who later passed away. “She was a student, very positive, and her family was deeply grateful. That’s when I realised that stories, too, can bring change,” she says.

Rohini Jayanti brings alive a story
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Special Arrangement

This led to the second edition of Katha Dhara, featuring storytellers from across India, including Chennai, Mumbai, Jharkhand and Delhi. This year, the concept has evolved into an offline, self-funded event supported by Kshamatha’s family. “Since we couldn’t directly involve cancer patients, we shifted our focus to government schools,” she explains.

One of Katha&Krafts’ flagship initiatives, StoryParty began as a Facebook Live series and has since evolved into in-person storytelling events across the city. Reflecting on her journey, Kshamatha credits her parents’ support and the encouragement of her students and peers. Often described as a ‘sutradhaar’ by fellow storytellers, she continues to bring people together through stories that inspire learning and create meaningful social impact.

Katha&Krafts organises Katha Dhara at Telangana Saraswatha Parishath in King Koti on March 28 from 9 am onwards; For invitees only.