Archive · 19 Dec 2025
GRIPS Theatre Celebrates 40 Years in India
GRIPS Theatre, a group from Germany, has been doing special plays for kids in India for 40 years.
They had a big meeting in Pune to celebrate.
The founder, Volker Ludwig, said India is the only country outside Germany where their plays have been going on for so long.
They started with a play called Chan Chote Vait Mote and have done many more since then.
One play, Nako Re Baba, helped a family talk about their problems.
Now, they are planning to have artists from India and Germany visit each other to learn and share ideas.
They want to keep making plays about important things like climate change while still focusing on kids.
GRIPS Theatre, founded by Volker Ludwig, celebrates 40 years of engagement in India with a special event in Pune.
India is the only country outside Germany where the GRIPS movement has continued uninterrupted for four decades.
The movement began in 1986 with a playwriting workshop, leading to productions like Chan Chote Vait Mote, adapted from Max and Millie.
Notable plays like Nako Re Baba have had a deep impact, helping audiences address real-life issues.
Future plans include an artist residency program between India and Berlin to foster cultural exchange and inspiration.
- Who
- GRIPS Theatre, founded by Volker Ludwig, with Indian collaborators like Mohan Agashe and Shrirang Godbole
- What
- Celebration of 40 years of GRIPS Theatre's engagement in India, including a special meet and future initiatives
- When
- The event marked 40 years since 1986, with future plans for artist residencies
- Where
- Pune, India, with plans for exchanges between India and Berlin
- Why
- To commemorate the milestone and discuss the future of the GRIPS movement in addressing contemporary issues
- Founder
- Volker Ludwig
- Founding Year in India
- 1986
- First Indian Production
- Chan Chote Vait Mote
- Unique Aspect
- Sustained continuity in India
- Future Initiative
- Artist residency program between India and Berlin
- Core Focus
- Children's theatre with social themes
- Notable Play
- Nako Re Baba
- Key Impact
- Emancipation through theatre