Continuing with a 15 year tradition, India Friends Association (IFA) brings you Archana 09. The evening showcases India’s cultural richness and diversity through a volunteer cast of more than 100 local children and adults rehearsing since December of last year. A multimedia experience builds social consciousness and highlights IFA’s transformational work.
This year, over 40 children ages 5-12 sing and dance in “It’s a Small World” encouraging friendship, peace and social responsibility. Community engagement, one of India Friends Association’s guiding principles is fully realized in the children’s item as families make time for practices between work, school and soccer practice. And it’s not just practice- there’s costumes and props and sets. The children engaged in a lively discussion on how to portray the importance of taking care of mother earth and created signs to set the stage.
Says five year old participant Anshul Bajaj of Ventura, “I like to sing and love to dance and I get to help poor children in India.” For his mom, Madhu Bajaj, Anshul’s participation is a family priority. “We want our son to realize the importance of giving back to the community. Archana provides an amazing way for young children to make a difference while learning about Indian culture and meeting new friends. Children learn that it is fun to get involved.”
Jyoti Sahai of Thousand Oaks volunteers to organize the children’s item each year. “It is truly a joy to work with the children, to watch their self esteem grow. For many of them, it’s their first time on stage. Participating in Archana creates interest in a whole new arena of performing arts.”
Archana is an amazing opportunity to experience India’s culture from the traditional Bharatnatyam to modern Bollywood beats. Archana 09 takes place on Saturday, April 18 at the Fred Kavli Theater in the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 6:30 PM.
TICKETS: General Seating: $40.00; Students: $20.00; Preferred Seating: $75.00.
IFA is a local nonprofit organization empowering people in India to fight corruption, improve governance, obtain employment and healthcare, protect the environment and more. IFA has provided funding during the past 15 years to over 25 carefully selected projects all over India.
More information on IFA’s projects and tickets for Archana ’09 please visit our website www.indiafriendsassociation.org, or contact Madhu Bajaj, (805) 754-9861; E-mail: madhubajaj@gmail.com.
