Over three decades ago, JK Rowling started scribbling about a scrawny, black-haired boy wizard on a train from Manchester to London. What followed was a phenomenon that changed the world, making millions of kids believe in magic. It is this magic that Young Minds Collective (YMC) reignited with their stirring theatre production, Harry Potter - The Journey Begins, at Gyan Manch on September 5. My Kolkata was in the audience.
YMC recreated many iconic scenes from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, including McGonagall’s giant chess set and Quidditch
A recreational centre for holistic child development, Young Minds Collective inaugurated its theatre programme just a year ago. In this time, they have staged eight dramatic productions, with Harry Potter being their ninth. “We had 26 children between the ages of 5 and 13 rehearsing with all their energy for over two months, guided by 10 teachers,” said Dishha Singla Agarwal, the founder-director of YMC.
Not just the stage, but all of Gyan Manch was adorned with Harry Potter memorabilia including the Golden Snitch (made of almonds), directions to Hogsmeade, and Platform 9¾
The play was an elaborate stage adaptation of the Potterverse’s first book and film, expanding the rich wizarding world created by Rowling, while preserving its essence. The innocence of the child actors and their chirpy dialogue delivery were reminiscent of the emotions viewers felt when they first saw Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint emerge as the central trio in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
(Left) Alka Juneja hugged her grandson Aarush after the curtains fell. The Class IV student of La Martiniere for Boys played the (right) dual role of Professor Quirrell and Lord Voldemort. ‘The show reminded us of how drama has always been a part of Kolkata, and reviving it with children offers a great opportunity for them to learn and be creative,’ Alka said
The wonderful sets were augmented by immersive experiences that made the audience a part of the world. Be it Hogwarts letters falling from the sky to mimic Harry’s crazy experience with them at Privet Drive, or edible golden galleons showering upon the viewers during the Great Hall feast, the experience felt like flipping through the pages of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
(Left) Manali Sethi was proud of daughter Kairah for doing justice to the iconic role of (centre right) Professor McGonagall. ‘I was mesmerised by the magic unfolding before my eyes. The effects, stunning production quality and talented cast transported me to Hogwarts,’ Manali smiled
Overall, it was a nostalgic ride through many firsts for all Potterheads — visiting Diagon Alley, the Sorting Hat, playing Quidditch, encountering Fluffy the three-headed dog, playing through McGonagall’s giant chess board, encountering Voldemort and Quirrell, and winning the House Cup.
The play didn’t just mesmerise children and parents. Sisters (L-R) Aakriti and Anjali Gupta were amazed by the acting chops of the young cast. ‘Every element was so detailed, with the letter-showering scene standing out for us. It’s remarkable how YMC managed to capture the essence of Harry Potter in just an hour,’ said Aakriti
The story’s themes of love, friendship and empathy encapsulated in a larger-than-life world also formed a highly experiential learning experience for all the children, which was fitting of Teacher’s Day.
“Months of meticulous planning and execution finally paid off, thanks to the tireless efforts of my incredible team and my talented children. It was my long-held dream to produce a Harry Potter show, and the outcome has been truly rewarding. It is just the beginning, and I look forward to staging many more productions that will captivate and inspire audiences in the near future,” signed off Agarwal.