February 9, 2026 | An outdoor storytelling performance for 250 students from Nursery to Class 5 in Sarlahi, Nepal

Under the shade of two trees, a simple school ground slowly transformed into a vibrant ocean of color, sound, and laughter.

This was the first time The Joy House Collective performed outside Kathmandu—and the experience was as new for us as it was for the children. About 250 students gathered in the open space, their curiosity and excitement filling the air even before the story began.

About the Story

माछाको रंगीन सपना (Fish’s Rainbow Dream) is a story about a black and white fish who dreams of a world full of colors.

As the journey unfolds, the fish meets others, faces differences, and slowly begins to discover what it means to belong, to imagine, and to see beyond what already exists.

The story gently explores ideas of identity, friendship, and transformation—inviting children to imagine a world where change is possible.

A First Theatre Experience

For many children at the school, this was their first experience of watching a live theatre performance that was specifically designed for their age group. The open ground became a stage. The space between the trees became a story-world.

Children watched with wide eyes, laughed together, and responded instantly to the actors. Their excitement was electric—filled with curiosity, surprise, and joy.

What stood out was not just their engagement with the story, but their willingness to be a part of it—to react, to express, and to feel without hesitation.

The Experience

There was a collective energy in the space that is hard to recreate. Children didn’t just watch—they lived the story. Their laughter spread across the ground, their reactions moved in waves, and their attention remained deeply connected throughout.

In that moment, storytelling became more than performance. It became a shared experience where each child found their own connection within the story. And in many ways, we received more than we gave—becoming witnesses to their openness, joy, and participation.

When a Teacher Became a Fairy

As part of the performance, a teacher stepped into the role of the fairy. This is a conscious choice in our storytelling—because we believe that the real “fairies” in children’s lives are the people around them. Teachers, parents, and caregivers who guide and support them every day.

With minimal guidance, the teacher embraced the role with ease—bringing warmth, spontaneity, and presence into the story.

Adding to the magic, it was also her birthday that day—making the moment even more special for everyone present.

The Setting

The performance took place in a natural outdoor setting, surrounded by open space and trees.

Children sat together on the ground, forming a large circle of attention around the performers. The simplicity of the space allowed imagination to take over—turning the environment into an ocean, a dream, and a shared world of color.

Many Thanks To

• Principal and teachers of Pashupati Samudayik Vidyalaya, Sarlahi
• Purna Bahadur Pandey for supporting in organising this event
• All the students who participated
• Shishir Siwakoti – Actor in the role of the Rainbow Fish
• Bansri Pandey – Actress in the role of Black & White Fish
• Pragya Pandey – Music and Photography Support
• Shambhu Pandey – Volunteer

Concluding Remarks

Sometimes, the journey of a story is as meaningful as the story itself.

Taking this performance beyond Kathmandu and sharing it with children in Sarlahi reminded us why storytelling matters—because it creates moments of connection, joy, and imagination that stay with us.

In that open ground, under two trees, a simple story became a powerful shared experience.

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The Joy House Collective