Malayalam theatre has nurtured amazing actors, some of whom were and are scene-stealers in tinsel town as well. The recent Kerala State film awards proved that when it comes to acting, there is no beating some of the stalwarts. Winners such as Alencier Ley Lopez, Indrans and Pauly Valsan are all veterans in theatre.
The capital city has a vibrant theatre tradition with many drama troupes. As another World Theatre Day is around the corner, here’s a look at some of the active actors in the scene.
While some like Kalavedi, which was started on November 1, 1956, continue to make their presence felt with drama productions, there are many that do amazing work in rural areas and among children. If Kalavedi introduced the concept of monthly plays and organised the first-ever drama competition for amateur groups, the late Kavalam Narayana Panicker’s Sopanam rejuvenated the language and structure of theatre by going back to the roots and coming up with plays that celebrate ethnic themes, music and rhythm. In the process, he gifted several actors who were trailblazers in drama and cinema.
The first permanent theatre in the state was set up in 1963 at Putharikandam Maidan by late ‘Kalanilayam’ Krishnan Nair. Though Kalanilayam became inactive for a while, his son Ananthapadmanabhan and actor Jagathy Sreekumar revived it.
The academic and artistic community, especially veterans in broadcasting, in the city has also contributed significantly to the growth of theatre. For instance, Natyagriham was formed in 1979 by actor and playwright Narendra Prasad along with his contemporaries. The troupe was revived in 2013 with a theatre festival featuring works by Omchery N.N. Pillai.
Government employees, residents’ associations, college alumni and like-minded people have all made a mark with some of their plays and work in theatre. For instance, Shahaana Theatres, the drama wing of Shahaana Kala Samskarika Vedi, formed in 2011, is primarily composed of government employees.
Thiruvananthapuram Kala, Soorya Krishnamoorthy’s Soorya, Theatron Today, Theatre of Good Hope and Trivi Art Concerns are some of the many such active theatre groups in the city.
Many recent ones have broken new ground in theatre with their productions and work and by working with children, women and rural artistes.
The curtain goes up on some of the drama troupes that are setting the stage afire with their enthusiasm and talent.
Suhruth Nataka Kalari
A children’s theatre movement, it began in Vithura in 1995 under the leadership of R. Sudhakaran. From 10 children, the group has grown to include hundreds of children attending the group’s regular weekly theatre sessions. Among more than 60 productions performed by them, a well-known work is the nine-hour-long Mahabharatham , which featured 300 children and nine directors.
Abhinaya
It was on a refilled paddy field that Abhinaya theatre group started its rehearsal 27 years ago. Brainchild of D. Reghoothaman and late S. Ajayan, the theatre group has now spread its roots on a three-acre campus at Karakulam, having staged plays across India and abroad.
A scene from Irakalodu Mathramalla Samsarikkendathu, a play staged by the Abhinaya Theatre Research Centre
The group was instrumental in launching a street festival at Manaveeyam street, which has now evolved as a cultural corridor. With over 60 productions under its belt, Abhinaya has also been the training ground for leading lights such as Deepan Sivaraman, Abhilash Pillai, M.G. Jyothish, Surabhi Lakshmi, Kani Kusruthi.... Abhinaya has an exclusive section for children’s theatre (Mannappam) and senior citizens (Mizhavu).
Rangaprabhath
Rangaprabhath, the community-oriented theatre village at Alumthara, Venjaramoodu, is the culmination of the dream of theatre doyen G. Sankara Pillai that was fulfilled by his disciple Kochunarayana Pillai. Holistic development through education and art is the objective of the institution that was launched in 1970. From taking classes for 40 children under a mango tree, it has now grown to become a theatre complex where children learn theatre and other art forms.
Kalam
Prasanth Narayanan’s Kalam has been around for the last three years, as a training ground for actors. Supported by Thiruvarangu, one of the oldest theatre groups in the state, the group envisages to develop as a professional theatre repertory and a centre for learning and understanding all forms of art. The group holds training sessions for those aged till 16 (Kuttikkalam) and those aged 17 and above (Perumkalam).
Nireeksha Women’s Theatre
Pravaachaka by Nireeksha Women’s Theatre
Established in 1999 by Sudhi Devayani and Rajarajeswari as a theatre group for women, it has been working towards the cause of women’s issues and empowerment through productions, workshops, seminars and street plays. Besides Anubhaava, its children’s theatre wing, Nireeksha also spearheaded Rangasree, the theatre initiative of Kudumbasree under which all-women theatre groups were started in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam, Kannur and Malappuram.
Kanal Samskarika Vedi
It was formed in 2008 by the alumni association of the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts, University of Kerala.
Kimartham Draupadi by Kanal Samskarika Vedi
Under its Studio Theatre project, each member directs a play. Kanal recently started a publishing wing for books on theatre and has also launched a theatre calendar that features important theatre festivals and theatre-related events in the state.
Positive Frames
Positive Frames was formed in 2000 by Amal Rajdev, Mahesh Narayanan (editor and director of Take Off ) and late Shijinath. It was a meeting place of many writers, playwrights, actors and filmmakers until it closed down a few years ago. It is being revived with the staging of Thomas Kariya Kariya Thoma , on World Theatre Day.
Elephant Theatre Society
The 10-member team at Elephant Theatre Society aims at introducing a multi-level viewing experience that would take theatre to more people. As for the name, it connects with the shape of the animal, which is like a huge formation.
A play by Elephant Theatre Society
They work together as a group and split until it’s time to come back together again. The troupe was formed in December, 2017 by Kannan Unni V., son of late theatreperson S. Ajayan.
APT
A Place for Theatre Performance and Research (APT) was formed five years ago by theatre activists Shylaja P. Ambu and Sam George, both of whom were with Abhinaya. Launched with the objective of rejuvenating theatre and promoting folk arts, APT also works with school children, especially those with special needs where theatre is used for academic support and behavioural modification.
