February 10, 2026 | An outdoor storytelling performance for 300 students of Class 1–8 | Shree Panch Mahendra Janta Sec. School, Karmaiya, Sarlahi, Nepal

The school courtyard slowly turned into a stage. The sun became the spotlight, the grass became the seating, and 300 children gathered together—ready to enter a world of story.

This was the second performance of The Joy House Collective’s journey outside Kathmandu, and for many children present, their very first experience of live theatre.

About the Story

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

As the story unfolds, the fish begins a journey of discovery—meeting others, facing differences, and slowly understanding what it means to belong and to imagine something beyond what already exists.

The story gently explores ideas of identity, friendship, and transformation—inviting children to see the world with openness and curiosity.

The Experience

For many of the children, this was the first time they experienced a live storytelling performance. What began as a simple gathering quickly became something much more. The performers and the audience shared the same space—no stage, no distance. The story moved freely between them, and the children responded with complete presence.

Their laughter came together as one, their reactions were immediate, and their attention never drifted far from the unfolding story.

“Sometimes I wonder if sharing joy and a love for stories truly changes anything in a child’s life. I may never know. But when I hear the collective laughter of 300 children, fully present in the moment of a performance, something inside me feels certain.

In that shared moment of imagination, joy, and connection, I am reminded why I do this work. The impact of what I do may be impossible to measure. But the love, wonder, and connection I experience with the children I meet is reason enough for me to keep telling stories.”
— Bansri Pandey, Founder of The Joy House Collective and Performer

There was a strong sense of connection throughout the performance. Children were fully engaged—laughing, reacting, and following every moment closely. The energy moved across the courtyard, creating a shared rhythm between the performers and the audience. Teacher role-played as a fairy, bringing lively familiar sense of joy.

The simplicity of the space allowed imagination to take over. Without elaborate sets or structures, the story found its place directly in the children’s minds and hearts.

The Setting

The open courtyard created a natural and grounded space for storytelling.

Children sat closely together on the grass, forming a large circle of attention around the performers. The outdoor environment added a sense of freedom—where sounds, movement, and reactions flowed easily.

There were moments of loud laughter, quiet focus, and collective excitement. The children were not just watching—they were fully present, responding to the story as it unfolded in front of them.

Many Thanks To

• Principal and teachers of Shree Panch Mahendra Janta Sec. School, Karmaiya, Sarlahi, Nepal
• Purna Bahadur Pandey for supporting in organizing 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, all it takes is a story and a shared space.

In a simple school courtyard in Sarlahi, 300 children came together—not just to watch, but to feel, imagine, and connect.

And in that shared moment, the story found its true meaning.

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The Joy House Collective