The eighth edition of the Child Theatre Festival will kick off today at Russian Center of Science and Culture in Kamalpokhari in the Capital. The annual fest, organised by Shailee Theatre in collaboration with the Russian Centre of Science and Culture, will feature a total of 14 plays, all of which revolve around child psychology and will be enacted by child actors. The plays to be staged were selected out of more than two dozen submissions from schools and organisations around the Valley.

Among the plays to be staged are Buddha Bhairab School’s Mukti ko Yathartha Chahana; Sudesha School’s Darr; Mahendra Adarsh MSS’s Agyantako Patti; United School’s Kubela; Reliance School’s Koi Kina Barbaad Hos; Aams Organisation’s Kucho Army; National Pioneer Academy’s Janchko Bhoot; Greenfield HSS’s Doctor Aalu Kaalu; Malpi City School’s Mahila Himsa; Sahara National School’s Boksi Samaya; Aakash Ganga School’s Jaleko Chim; Khwopa School’s Vanka; Fullbright School’s Kumari; and Southwestern School’s Kalo Chitra. The fest will also feature a play put together by artists from Shailee Theatre.

Along with plays, the fest will also feature several child-friendly games, and shows. Aaryan Neupane, coordinator of the fest, said, “While it is a platform for child actors to showcase their acting skills, we have also attempted to engage children who visit the fair, through a variety of games and other shows.”

The actors who will be performing at the event will also awarded awards such as Best male/female actor (with a cash purse of Rs 7,000), Best direction and Best play (each will receive a cash purse of Rs 5,000) and Public Choice Award and Best emerging child actor (each will receive a cash purse of Rs 3,000). Meanwhile, the organisers will also provide scholarships for a three-month training workshop to the 10 best performing actors.

The fest will continue till March 5.