December 26, 2025 | A forum theatre storytelling performance for Classes 2, 3, and 4 at Pranavanand Ashram, Kathmandu

A simple story began with a sudden fear—the sky is falling announced by a Chicken in panic. But what followed was not just a story. It became a space where children paused, questioned, and searched for answers together.

About the Story

Sky is Falling is designed using a forum theatre approach, where the story intentionally stops at moments of conflict.

A group of animals, led by fear and confusion, begins to believe that the sky is falling. As they move forward, they encounter challenges—including a cunning snake—forcing them to decide what to believe and how to respond.

At key moments, the story pauses and the children are invited to step in—to think, discuss, and suggest solutions. Should they trust what they hear? Should they act immediately? Or should they question and reflect?

Through this process, the story becomes not just something to watch, but something to analyze, reshape, and experience together.

A Shared Experience Through Forum Theatre

Around 70 children from Classes 2, 3, and 4 participated in this session at Pranavanand Ashram.

The children didn’t remain passive listeners—they became active thinkers and decision-makers. They discussed ideas, shared perspectives, and worked together to find ways to respond to the challenges in the story.

There were moments of excitement, debate, and curiosity. Children questioned whether the sky was really falling, explored different possibilities, and collaborated to face the antagonist snake.

This is where forum theatre becomes powerful—not just in telling a story, but in inviting children to think within it.

The Experience

The space was filled with energy and engagement. Children watched closely, responded instantly, and eagerly participated whenever the story paused. They developed empathy for the animals, while also learning to question situations rather than immediately believing them. Their responses showed growing confidence, curiosity, and the ability to think critically.

The performance became more than a story—it became a shared process of problem-solving, imagination, and communication.

Building Through Stories

The children studying at Pranavanand Ashram are supported by the institution for their education. For over a year, Joy House Collective has been working with the Ashram, regularly bringing storytelling performances to help children expand their exposure to the arts and nurture creative imagination and critical thinking.

Sessions like these go beyond storytelling—they create spaces where children learn to express, reflect, and engage with the world around them.

Many Thanks To

• Principal, Teachers, and Students of Pranavanand Ashram
• Bansri Pandey – Storyteller and Facilitator
• Shishir Siwakoti – Actor in the role of the Chicken
• Himal Bhujel – Music Support
• Pragya Pandey – Photography Support
• Philipp Neuweiler & his friends for support

Concluding Remarks

Sometimes, a story does not give answers—it asks questions.

Through curiosity, discussion, and imagination, children stepped into the story and discovered the power of thinking for themselves. In that shared space, storytelling became a tool for reflection, collaboration, and growth.

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The Joy House Collective