The musical underscores the transformative power of theatre in building confidence, enhancing communication skills, and fostering self-expression among young learners.
Mumbai, 1 February 2026 ( TGN ) : After enchanting audiences last year with their performance, the students of Mumbai’s municipal schools are set to return to the prestigious Kala Ghoda Arts Festival on February 1, 2026. This year, over 100 students aged 10-13 will perform “The Whispering Woods: Ishaan’s Journey,” an English musical that evolves the conversation from simply observing nature to actively taking responsibility for it.
At its core, the musical is the culmination of a year-long theatre-based learning programme championed by the Pehlay Akshar Foundation (PAF) that uses performance as a tool for language development and self-expression. Students have worked through a structured curriculum designed to strengthen communication skills, build confidence in spoken English, and nurture creativity through storytelling, music, and movement.
“We believe that theatre is a powerful tool for personal and social development, especially when combined with language learning. Students learn to express themselves better in English, expanding their vocabulary, refining pronunciation, and gaining a deeper understanding of the language which makes them more confident in their academic and professional lives.”
As part of this unique initiative, the students had the opportunity to work alongside professionals in theatre set design, drama, and acting, gaining valuable hands-on experience and exposure to the world of performing arts. “I usually spend my free time playing Roblox, so standing on a real stage is a completely new world for me,” says Shaurya, a Class 5 student from Nariyalwadi school. “I do well in English class, but acting has taught me a different kind of confidence. Even though it’s my first time and I’m a little nervous, I’m not afraid. I hope my parents see me up there, because I think I might want to be an actor one day.”
While last year’s production invited audiences to observe nature through the eyes of animals, ‘The Whispering Woods’ shifts the focus to active responsibility. Through the journey of Ishaan, a “story catcher” traversing forests and cities, the play illustrates how small, daily choices can counter the effects of urbanisation and restore our connection to the wild.
The performance is open to the public and invites families, educators, and festival-goers to experience how theatre can become a bridge between language learning, environmental awareness, and youthful imagination.
