February 11, 2026 | An outdoor storytelling performance for 500 students at Elite English Boarding School in Sarlahi, Nepal
Rows of students settled under the open sky, while a shaded stage became the center of a special story world. As the performance began, the space shifted—what was once a school courtyard became a place of shared attention, curiosity, and anticipation.
This was the third performance of The Joy House Collective’s Sarlahi journey—and the largest audience the team had ever performed for.
About the Story
माछाको रंगीन सपना (Fish’s Rainbow Dream) follows the journey of a black and white fish who imagines a world beyond what it sees.
As the fish moves through its world, it encounters difference, friendship, and change. The story gently opens up questions about identity, belonging, and the courage to imagine something new.
Through simple visuals and emotional moments, the story connects with children across ages—each finding their own meaning within it.
A Performance Across Ages
This performance brought together around 500 students—from Nursery to Class 10.
What made this experience unique was the range of responses across age groups. Younger children were drawn into the sensory world of the performance—colors, sounds, and playful moments held their attention. Older students engaged more quietly, connecting with the emotions of the characters and the journey within the story.
Despite the differences, the story held everyone together in one shared experience.
The Experience
Performing for such a large audience brought a new kind of energy. The reactions moved like waves across the courtyard—laughter rising from one corner and spreading across, moments of silence settling in together, and bursts of excitement breaking through at unexpected times.
The performers adjusted to this scale, finding rhythm within the crowd’s responses. It became a dialogue—not through words, but through attention, presence, and shared emotion.
For the Joy House team, this was a new experience—holding space for 500 children at once. And yet, the connection remained personal.
The Setting
The outdoor courtyard created a layered experience.
The stage, shaded and intimate, held the performers, while the audience sat in sunlight—open, alert, and responsive. The contrast added a natural dynamic to the performance.
Children leaned forward, reacted freely, and stayed engaged throughout. Even in such a large group, there was a sense of focus and connection.
This was the first time a theatre performance designed for children had reached this school. For many, it was not just about watching a story—but discovering a new form of expression.
The experience stayed with them not because of scale alone, but because they were part of it—responding, feeling, and connecting in their own ways.
Many Thanks To
- Principal and teachers of Elite English Boarding School
- 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 Support
- Surbhi Darnal – Photography Support
Concluding Remarks
Working with a large group brings a different kind of learning.
It asks for listening, adaptability, and trust in the process. And when it works, it creates something powerful—a shared space where many individuals experience something together, in their own ways.
This performance was one such moment.
To know more about our work, please feel free to Contact Us
Leave a Reply