Partners – We Are Mad

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Bobble Theatre Shows for Children Affected by the 2022 Floods in Pakistan.
In the wake of the devastating 2022 floods in Pakistan, which displaced 33 million people—majority of them in Sindh—UNICEF and MAD School joined forces to bring some joy and education to the children affected. Recognizing the profound impact of the floods on children, who were left vulnerable, traumatized, and in dire need of emotional support, the two organizations launched a series of theatre shows staged by The Bobbles, a four-person theatre troupe created and produced by Nida Butt with music by Hamza Jafri.
The Bobbles specialize in children’s educational and entertainment content, using dialogue, song, and dance to engage young audiences in themes such as social and environmental awareness, empowerment, inclusivity, life skills, and personal development. In 2023, The Bobbles staged 10 shows in public school venues across Karachi, bringing their lively performances to children who had been displaced by the floods and were now residing in relief camps.
These performances were not just about entertainment; they were carefully crafted to address the specific emotional and psychological needs of the children. The shows incorporated themes on coping with trauma, managing emotions, and seeking help when needed. The aim was to empower these young audiences, helping them navigate the complex emotions they were experiencing—anger, confusion, sadness, and depression—due to the loss of their homes, communities, and sense of security.
By providing a space for children to experience joy and learn valuable life skills in a safe, supportive environment, UNICEF and MAD School’s collaboration through The Bobbles sought to offer a glimmer of hope and normalcy. The initiative also aimed to promote personal growth, resilience, and a sense of empowerment among the displaced children during this challenging period in their lives.

Media Coverage

UNICEF & MAD School’s Collaborative Initiative:

Bobble Theatre Shows for Children Affected by the 2022 Floods in Pakistan.
In the wake of the devastating 2022 floods in Pakistan, which displaced 33 million people—majority of them in Sindh—UNICEF and MAD School joined forces to bring some joy and education to the children affected. Recognizing the profound impact of the floods on children, who were left vulnerable, traumatized, and in dire need of emotional support, the two organizations launched a series of theatre shows staged by The Bobbles, a four-person theatre troupe created and produced by Nida Butt with music by Hamza Jafri.
The Bobbles specialize in children’s educational and entertainment content, using dialogue, song, and dance to engage young audiences in themes such as social and environmental awareness, empowerment, inclusivity, life skills, and personal development. In 2023, The Bobbles staged 10 shows in public school venues across Karachi, bringing their lively performances to children who had been displaced by the floods and were now residing in relief camps.
These performances were not just about entertainment; they were carefully crafted to address the specific emotional and psychological needs of the children. The shows incorporated themes on coping with trauma, managing emotions, and seeking help when needed. The aim was to empower these young audiences, helping them navigate the complex emotions they were experiencing—anger, confusion, sadness, and depression—due to the loss of their homes, communities, and sense of security.
By providing a space for children to experience joy and learn valuable life skills in a safe, supportive environment, UNICEF and MAD School’s collaboration through The Bobbles sought to offer a glimmer of hope and normalcy. The initiative also aimed to promote personal growth, resilience, and a sense of empowerment among the displaced children during this challenging period in their lives.

Karachi

The Bobbles

“The Bobbles” is a dynamic 4-person performance ensemble dedicated to creating engaging live and digital content tailored for children aged 2 to 12.With Nida at the helm as director and original songs composed by the talented Hamza Jafri, The Bobbles became a delightful fusion of fun and education. They wove learning seamlessly into the fabric of entertainment, nurturing creativity and expanding young minds. With the successful completion of two seasons, totaling over 200 shows, “The Bobbles” rapidly became a sensation from the very start. In its inaugural year, “The Bobbles” was an instant hit, garnering more than 50 school bookings and participating in various festivals. Their performances extended to esteemed institutions such as CAPA, KDSP, and Indus Hospital. Moreover, in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan, “The Bobbles” embarked on a tour of government schools, making a significant impact on young audiences. Looking to the future, “The Bobbles” is currently working on its first animation series, set to be unveiled in 2024. This new endeavor promises to bring their creative storytelling to a wider audience of children, further solidifying their place as a beloved and innovative contributor to children’s entertainment and education.

Media Coverage

Dawn – Theatre review The Bobbles: A Musical for Children

Dawn – Got kids with a lot of energy to expend? The Bobbles is a..

The News – Feels Like Summer

Dawn – SOUNDCHECK: COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE

The News – The Bobbles release first single, the playful ‘Rikshaw’

Karachi

Karachi Stars Program

In 2014, MAD School initiated a transformative project by launching a free, multi-disciplinary after-school arts education program specifically designed for youth from Lyari Town.This program offered bi-weekly classes in Singing, Guitar, Dance, Acting, and Drums, serving as a creative outlet for the students. Over the years, the Stars program evolved beyond just nurturing musical and artistic talent; it also sought to boost the students’ confidence and problem-solving abilities. The program has also served as a launchpad for emerging artists, many of whom have gone on to achieve international acclaim – Kaifi Khalil is a testament to that fact. Since its inception, the program has positively impacted the lives of over 200 teenagers, both boys and girls, hailing from Lyari and Chanesar Goth. Through the transformative power of arts and music, these young individuals have found a path to personal growth and self-expression. Notably, the Karachi Stars’ students achieved remarkable successes in theater, music, and film, garnering awards locally and internationally for their contributions to the arts. Under the guidance of MAD School, the students had even produced two musicals in Karachi: “A Bunch of Clowns” in 2015 and “Hai Abba Jaan” in 2016. As the program continued to expand, it introduced a Mentorship Component in 2016, wherein older students took on mentorship roles for younger ones, forming a valuable support network within the community. In 2017, a Teacher Training Component was added, empowering the brightest students to become teachers themselves, enabling them to share their knowledge and skills within their own communities. This innovative approach not only benefited the students but also had a ripple effect on their neighborhoods. The Stars program garnered international attention and recognition when it became the subject of an Al Jazeera documentary titled “Lyari Notes,” which has been screened at film festivals worldwide. The program’s ongoing success is made possible through the support of local and international donors, ensuring that it continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of the youth it serves.

A highlight of the program was the discovery of Kaifi Khalil, a bright young talent who has since gone on to garner international acclaim.

Media Coverage

Al Jazeera – Lyari Notes + A short documentary on Karachi Stars

Lyari Stars – Short Documentary

The News – The stars of Lyari shine on

Dawn – Young students based in Lyari at the Music, Art, Dance School Society

The Express Tribune – Lyari stars shine bright during musical theatre

Karachi

The 39 Steps

The 39 Steps,” a remarkable theatrical production, is renowned for its minimalistic set and the incredible achievement of having only 4 actors portray a staggering 40 characters. Directed by Nida Butt, this adaptation of the classic spy novel and film is further enriched by the presence of acclaimed actress Sanam Saeed. “The 39 Steps” weaves a thrilling tale around Richard Hannay, a London civilian, brought to life by the versatile Faraz Lodhi. Accused of a murder he didn’t commit, Hannay races to Scotland to evade the police and thwart a spy group, ‘The 39 Steps,’ from betraying military secrets. Alongside him is the captivating Margaret, portrayed by the talented Sanam Saeed. Their journey unfolds with unexpected encounters and a supporting cast of 30 characters skillfully played by Zeeshan Shah and Ali Hashmi. While the engaging storyline is the backbone, it’s the flawless execution of effects, costumes, and character transitions that truly steals the spotlight. These four actors, despite juggling multiple roles, display an impressive craft, leaving audiences enthralled. With over 20 shows under its belt, this production captivates audiences with minimal props, relying on the sheer creativity of the cast and crew to transport viewers into a world of espionage and intrigue. One of its standout features is the stellar sound design, which adds depth and atmosphere to the performance, enhancing the storytelling and immersing the audience in the narrative. Touted as one of Nida Butt’s most outstanding theatrical creations, “The 39 Steps” was a tour de force in minimalistic storytelling.