December 13, 2025 | PhotoKTM 2025, Nepal Art Council, Babarmahal

As part of PhotoKTM Festival 2025, the reading room at Nepal Art Council transformed into an engaging and thought-provoking story world. Around 35 children, along with their parents & guardians, gathered for Sky is Falling—an interactive forum theatre performance that invited everyone to think, question, and act together.

This event was a collaborative effort by PhotoKTM, Srijanalaya, Drawing Room KTM, Nritya Aagan, and The Joy House Collective—bringing together art, storytelling, and community participation.

About the Story

Sky is Falling is inspired by a classic folktale of a frightened chicken who believes the sky is collapsing after something falls on its head. As fear spreads, other animals begin to follow blindly—until they face danger from the cunning snake.

In this adaptation created by Bansri Pandey, the story pauses at moments of conflict. Instead of continuing the narrative, the audience is invited to step in. What is really happening? Should the animals believe everything they hear? How can they protect themselves?

The story becomes a space to question assumptions, especially around the idea of “fake news” and how quickly fear can spread without understanding.

A Storyworld Inside the Reading Room

The reading room of the festival came alive with movement and imagination. What was once a quiet space filled with books turned into a forest of urgency and curiosity.

Children sat close, watching intently as the chicken ran through the space. Soon, they were no longer just watching—they became part of the story. Voices, reactions, and laughter filled the room as the audience engaged with every twist of the narrative.

The presence of guardians added another layer, creating a shared experience where both children and adults reflected together.

Forum Theatre in Action

At key moments, the story stopped—and the thinking began. Participants brought a different approach—some questioned the truth behind the “falling sky,” others focused on protecting the animals, and some explored ways to outsmart the snake.

Children were then invited to come forward and enact their ideas. The space became a stage of experimentation, where ideas were tested in real time.

Through this process, participants:

• Used critical thinking to question what they heard
• Explored creative solutions to a shared problem
• Built communication and teamwork skills
• Developed empathy by stepping into different roles

The performance shifted from a fixed story to a collective exploration.

The Experience

The energy in the room moved between excitement and reflection. Children eagerly stepped forward with ideas, while others carefully observed and built on what they saw.

There was a strong sense of collaboration—not just among children, but across generations. Parents and Guardians engaged alongside the young participants, creating conversations that extended beyond the performance.

The idea of “following blindly” became something everyone could relate to, making the experience both playful and meaningful.

Many Thanks To

• Sharareh Bajracharya – Founder of Srijanalaya
• Team of PhotoKTM and Srijanalaya
• All the children and teachers of Bright Horizon Children’s Home who participated
• Bansri Pandey – Storyteller and Facilitator
• Himal Bhujel – Actor in the role of Chicken
• Shishir Siwakoti – Music Support
• Surbhi Darnal – Volunteer at PhotoKTM

Concluding Remarks

In a world where information spreads quickly, Sky is Falling offered a simple yet powerful reminder—to pause, question, and think.

Through forum theatre, children and adults experienced how stories can become spaces of inquiry. Not just to imagine, but to reflect, challenge, and act together.

With gratitude to everyone who stepped into the story and chose to ask questions.

To learn more about us, Contact us:
The Joy House Collective