Healing Through Art| Theatre and Dance Therapy that Transforms:
Kolahal Theatre Workshop, Behala, Kolkata – The Most Purposeful Performing Arts Space in
South Kolkata.
Kolahal Theatre Workshop is a social initiative which aims to make people aware about life via
theatre and performing arts by working on development and therapeutic programs for the
marginalized sectors of society. But to define it simply as a theatre workshop would be
underestimating the significance of the organization. It is an attempt made by the founder of
the organization, Nigiil Akkaraa, who wishes to create an artistic forum for those social groups
which are not much experimented and rather stigmatized, considering everyone has a right to
prove himself irrespective of his/her stigma.
And, that one opportunity can actually do wonders to anyone.
Our Mission | Theatre and Dance as tools for healing & social change :
We nurture hope and resilience by blending performing arts with compassionate care and support. Our aim at Kolahal Theatre Workshop is to harness the transformative potential of theatre and dance therapy to raise the status of marginalized communities throughout Kolkata and even beyond.The Kolahal Theatre Workshop was formed under the guidance of Nigiil Akkaraa, the renowned award-winning actor, playwright, and social innovator. More than just a performing arts academy, we are an institute that offers a safe place for people who have been socially marginalized due to their experiences with trauma, drug abuse, imprisonment, and mental illness.Through well-designed drama and dance therapy sessions, community theatre projects, and performance arts therapy, we provide individuals from marginalized sections with an opportunity to heal and re-integrate themselves back into society through the power of theater and performing arts. Storytelling is something we consider as a human right; everyone should have a chance to perform.
If you are a person who wants a change in your life, if you are an NGO searching for new and interesting ways to solve social problems through rehabilitation, or if you are a researcher in applied theatre and social development, you are welcome to join our movement.
Our Work
Healing lives through drama and performing arts therapy.
Drama Therapy
Using role-play to unlock emotions and build confidence. Kolahaal uses Theater tools such as role playing, narration, acting, and other dramatic approaches in order to foster emotional expression and self-discovery. Through the involvement in dramatic procedures, one can experience exploration of ideas, feelings, and personal interactions in order to promote healing and well-being.
Performing Arts
Empowering communities through music, dance, and storytelling. Kolahal Theatre Workshop encourages performing arts as an effective means of expressing creativity and engaging socially. By means of theater classes, theatrical productions, workshops, and performances that engage with the community, it fosters artistic ability, confidence, teamwork, and cultural sensitivity.
Personal growth fostered by creative expression and support. Besides nurturing creativity among its members, the organization helps in getting members back into mainstream society by giving them jobs through various agencies like KFM Pvt Ltd among others, taking their level of preparedness and capabilities into consideration.
Rehabilitation
Reactions and wishes for Kolahaal from celebrities.
We are grateful for the immense support we get for our initiatives , to bring different stigmatized sections of the society back to mainstream , with dignity and acceptance .
Media Coverages
In this 9 years of service to the society renowned Press and media actively covered the initiatives of Kolahaal , make it easier for us to reach and make the society aware that through proper drama , dance and other creative therapy training the participants have transformed their pain to a purpose .
