First Drop Theater’s Care-Tharsis program gives caregivers a platform for their stories.

“The idea of ​​using theater for healthcare work originated from our flagship program Care-Tharsis,” says Bejoy Balagopal, co-founder of First Drop Theatre, a theater company based in Bengaluru. First Drop has been presenting playbacks (unscripted performances, often improvised based on stories told by the audience) across the country for over 10 years.

Performances at the intersection of healthcare and theater. Care-Taris. . . Through the eyes of educators too, which marks their tenth anniversary, will be held on September 19 in Bangalore.

Founded by Beja and Dr. Radhika Jain in 2015, First Drop Theater has always strived to incorporate health and education into its programs using applied theatre. “Through our performances, we raise awareness about hospice care, disability, mental health and other issues,” says Bejoy.

Focusing on the acts of care and caregivers in everyday life, this theater program will delve into the stories revolving around giving and receiving care. Open to audiences from all areas, this event is designed to be inclusive and friendly for first-time visitors.

First Drop Theater has also performed in nursing homes, hospices and medical colleges, and Bejoy credits the program with helping both the company and himself develop into more conscious, empathetic individuals with a greater knowledge of social issues.

Care-Tharsis is a play about catharsis, a key component of reenactment theatre. “Although we wouldn’t call it a form of therapy, the format itself can have a therapeutic effect,” says Bejoy. The event revolves around human emotions, personal experiences and real life stories. For most audiences, it becomes a form of expression of themselves and their experiences as caregivers or recipients of care. “This event is for everyone: you can be a caregiver or you can receive help. Or you can just come and listen to these stories.”

Educators in context Care-Tharsis includes not only doctors, nurses or medical practitioners, but also parents, children, spouses, relatives and friends. Cast Care-Tharsis listen to your audience and bring their experience to life right before their eyes.

Care-Tharsis. . Through the eyes of the theater teachers, “The First Drop” will take place in Artkhod on September 19 at 17.30. Tickets from ₹300 on BookMyShow