Creative Writing Workshop: Poems, Fish and Video Game Worlds at Bangalore International Centre

✍️ About the Event

Ever imagined writing a poem for a fish? Or creating an entirely new universe for your very own video game? Discover how playful ideas can turn into exciting stories at this 90-minute Creative Writing Workshop, taking place at Bangalore International Centre, Bengaluru, on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.

Organised as part of the Connections Festival 2026, this interactive writing workshop invites young participants aged 11 to 14 years to explore storytelling through two imaginative writing exercises. Using creative prompts inspired by themes from the festival's plays, participants will experiment with words, ideas and fictional worlds while discovering different ways to express their thoughts.

The workshop moves beyond traditional writing exercises and encourages participants to approach storytelling with curiosity and imagination. From composing a poem for an unexpected subject like a fish to designing the setting and universe of a video game, the activities offer opportunities to think creatively and develop original ideas.

Through these two playful exercises, participants will also look back at themes explored in the plays presented at Connections Festival 2026. The session creates a connection between theatre and creative writing, allowing young writers to interpret ideas from the stage and transform them into their own written expressions.

The workshop will be led by Zui Kumar-Reddy, a writer, editor and workshop facilitator with an academic background in biology and an MA in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia. She was the first Sonny Mehta India Scholar, and her short story Kamal and the Bad Superimposition was shortlisted for the Guardian and 4th Estate Short Story Prize. Her work has also appeared in publications such as Out of Print, Kitaab and Homegrown.

Conducted in English with Kannada translation, this workshop offers a welcoming creative space for young participants to experiment with storytelling, explore imaginative concepts and enjoy writing without the pressure of conventional assignments.

An added benefit is that the workshop ticket includes free entry to Mia & the Fish, a play scheduled for 7:30 PM on the same day. Participants can therefore enjoy both a creative writing experience and a live theatrical performance as part of their Connections Festival visit.

🐟 What to Expect at the Workshop

Two Creative Writing Exercises: Participate in two playful activities designed to encourage original thinking and imaginative storytelling.

Writing a Poem for a Fish: Explore an unusual creative prompt and discover how an unexpected subject can inspire a poem.

Creating a Video Game Universe: Imagine and design your own fictional video game world through writing, ideas and storytelling.

Exploring Festival Themes: Reflect on themes from the plays presented at Connections Festival 2026 and use them as inspiration for original writing.

Creative Expression: Experiment with language, characters, settings and ideas in a relaxed workshop environment.

Learning Through Play: Enjoy writing activities that encourage curiosity and imagination rather than focusing only on formal writing rules.

Guidance from an Experienced Writer: Learn from Zui Kumar-Reddy, whose experience spans writing, editing and workshop facilitation.

Complimentary Theatre Experience: Enjoy free entry to the play Mia & the Fish at 7:30 PM with the workshop ticket.

🎤 Meet the Workshop Facilitator: Zui Kumar-Reddy

The workshop will be led by Zui Kumar-Reddy, a writer, editor and workshop facilitator with a background in biology and a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia.

She was the first Sonny Mehta India Scholar at the university. Her short story Kamal and the Bad Superimposition was shortlisted for the Guardian and 4th Estate Short Story Prize, highlighting her work in contemporary short fiction.

Her writing has appeared in publications including Out of Print, Kitaab and Homegrown. Alongside her literary work, she facilitates workshops that encourage participants to explore creative expression and develop their writing skills.

Through this session, Zui will guide young participants through imaginative prompts and writing exercises inspired by the Connections Festival plays, helping them discover how ideas can develop into poems and fictional worlds.

🌟 Workshop Highlights

Workshop Name: Creative Writing Workshop

Festival: Connections Festival 2026

Date: Wednesday, 4 November 2026

Time: 5:00 PM

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Venue: Bangalore International Centre, Bengaluru

Age Range: 11 to 14 years

Language: English with Kannada translation

Facilitator: Zui Kumar-Reddy

Workshop Format: Two playful creative writing exercises

Activities: Poetry writing and video game universe creation

Special Benefit: Free entry to Mia & the Fish at 7:30 PM on the same day.

🎭 Complimentary Play Entry with the Workshop Ticket

The workshop ticket also includes free entry to Mia & the Fish, a play scheduled as part of Connections Festival 2026.

Play: Mia & the Fish

Date: Wednesday, 4 November 2026

Time: 7:30 PM

The complimentary play entry is included with the workshop ticket. Attendees should check the organiser's instructions for the booking and admission arrangements.

👥 Who Should Attend?

This workshop is designed for children aged 11 to 14 years who enjoy reading, writing, storytelling and imaginative activities.

It may appeal to young readers who want to experiment with poetry, budding writers interested in creating fictional worlds, and children who enjoy games, theatre and creative storytelling.

Participants do not need to limit themselves to conventional writing ideas. The workshop encourages curiosity and playful exploration, making it an opportunity to discover new ways of using words and imagination.

📌 Important Information for Participants

Arrival: Attendees are requested to arrive at the venue 60 minutes before the scheduled event time.

Age Requirement: The workshop is intended for participants aged 11 to 14 years. Age restrictions apply, and refunds will not be provided if attendees are unaware of the applicable rules.

Language Support: The workshop will be conducted in English with Kannada translation.

Workshop Activities: The session includes two creative writing exercises inspired by themes from Connections Festival 2026 plays.

Play Entry: The workshop ticket includes free entry to Mia & the Fish at 7:30 PM.

Photography and Recording: Cameras and audio or video recording equipment are prohibited. Photography and videography using mobile phones are also not permitted.

Food and Beverages: Food and beverages are not permitted inside the auditorium.

Parking: Parking is available subject to availability. Vehicles are parked at the owner's risk.

📋 Terms and Conditions

Registration and Refunds: Once registration is completed, tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded, except in cases of event postponement or cancellation.

Arrival Time: Attendees should arrive at least 60 minutes before the scheduled event time for a smooth entry.

Late Arrival: Failure to arrive within the specified time may result in allocated seats being released.

Seat Allocation: Seats are subject to availability and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Age Restrictions: Age restrictions and event rules apply. No refunds will be provided if attendees are unaware of the applicable restrictions.

Venue Rules: Tickets are issued according to the rules and regulations of the event organiser and venue management.

Ticket Validity: Each ticket is valid for one person only.

Photography and Recording Consent: By entering or participating in the event, attendees consent to being photographed, filmed or recorded by electronic and print media for the organisers' telecast, publication and display purposes.

Right of Admission: The venue reserves the right of admission.

Prohibited Items: Cameras, bottles, cans and tins are not allowed inside the venue. The use of audio or video recording equipment is strictly prohibited.

Mobile Phone Photography: Photography and videography using mobile phones are not permitted.

Food and Beverages: Food and beverages are not permitted inside the auditorium.

Personal Belongings and Safety: The NCPA does not take responsibility for the loss or theft of personal belongings or for injuries sustained by ticket holders during the event.

Event Changes: The event is subject to change and force majeure conditions.

Schedule Changes: The starting time of the event may change without prior notice.

Late Entry for Classical Concerts: As per venue management's discretion, late entry for classical concerts will be permitted only during breaks between movements or pieces, as indicated by venue ushers.

Alcohol and Banned Substances: The consumption of alcohol and other banned substances is strictly prohibited.

Mobile Phones: Cell phones must be switched off inside the auditorium once the performance begins.

Smoking: Smoking is strictly prohibited.

Parking: Parking is available subject to availability. Vehicles are parked at the owners' risk.