National Theatre Festival in Kozhikode, organized by
department of Public Relations and Information attracted many art lovers.
Various forms of theatre arts were well received by the people even it was a
time of political play. Apart from a wide variety of classical dramas, the
festival paved the way for open discussion and face to face with great
theatre personalities in and outside Kerala.
Aaj Rang He, written by Poorva Naresh and directed
by Gopal Tewari and Purva Naresh was a story based on a singer, who uses
her knowledge of history of Indian Classical Music to counsel her neighbors,
Elam Kolam and Karimkuttyy Sasathappan,
based on Kerala ritual art Theyyam, produced by Manoj and Group at Mayyil
Kannur, a true story on today’s Kashmir, Archee Kaal directed by Reshi
Rashid, a script developed as dialogue between a mother and her unborn
child; Chanda Mama Dur Ke, uphold the values of new born child and
some community plays rejuvenated new insight into the minds of many
spectators.
Plays show cased the contemporary social issues and
life situations, turned a significant contemplation of theatre festival.
Mirel Masingkha told the story of Irom Charu Sharmila on her repressed
campaign against terrorism. It was a mime play. It was a meaningful and
entertaining performance as its director Dr.Yumnam Sadananda Singh said.
Peer Gynt, an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s Peer Gynt by Deepan Sivaraman
happens within a mental asylum. The play began with Gynt’s request for a
second chance at life.
Sonar Meye, in Bangla, directed by Sanjoy Gangly dealt
with the status of women. It showed the challenges of a girl since her
childhood days.
Miss Meena, Jameela, Madhya Daranyazhi, Echo of the
Day, Kalam Kariyude Kadha, jeevicharithram, Ram, Lanka Lakshmi, Ganga Puthra
Bheeshma and the concluding play All About Women were staged during the
festival.
Kalam Kariyude Kadha attracted me greatly, said
Rathnakaran, a theatre personality in Kozhikode.
Its perfection was unique-he commented.
Ashraf, one of the prominent theatre personalities of
Kerala said “Each and every day there had been tremendous improvement on the
part of spectators. With the innovative presentation of puppet plays really
became an educational and inspiring event to the audience. Theatre is
changing and all these experiences give new insights to the theatre persons
and students.”- he added.
Kudiyode Poruvin (Come along you all), a play
produced in tune with Kuravarassikkali, a folk art form of a tribal group of
Kuravars depicted the deforestation and other environmental issues Kerala
faces.
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