Before Peppa Pig and Chhota Bheem came to reign over children's senses, there were the simpler pleasures of gathering around Nani Ma to watch her transform afternoon ennui into a magical world of fairies, kings and queens, and animals that spoke like humans. Halfway across the world, the Europeans were regaling kids with stories too — with a dash of theatre. Théâtre de papier or toy theatre is a form of miniature theatre dating back to the early 19th century, which makes use of a hand-made proscenium set-up and paper figures.

"It was like a TV show for children before the television was invented. Parents, and even kids, would assemble it at home to perform stories. It was popular in Germany, England, France and Spain. In fact, it remained a much-loved source of entertainment in Spain right up to the mid-20th century," explains Frédéric Simon, executive director, Alliance Française de Bombay. But it isn't just the position of a cultural ambassador of his country that equips him with the knowledge of this intriguing theatre tradition.