All steps should be taken for protecting and further promoting Tamil theatre, and those involved in this field should play a vital role in this initiative, said noted film director and actor T. P. Gajendran.
Many lament the state of theatre and its future is not rosy. Artistes should set an example by involving one of their wards in theatre. This will enable in protecting theatre and making it popular with the next generation, Mr. Gajendran said while speaking at the valediction of the third annual drama festival, organised jointly by South Zone Cultural Centre and Tiruchi Mavatta Nataka Nadigarkal Sangam at Rasika Ranjana Sabha in the city on Saturday.
Mr. Gajendran commended Tiruchi Nataka Nadigargal Sangam for organising the festival in a successful manner and said this will go a long way in motivating the younger generation. It is heartening that plays enjoy good patronage from art loving people of the district. Even in cities like Chennai, not many evince interest in witnessing plays and the Tiruchi experience gives lot of satisfaction, he said.
M. S. Mohamed Masthan, general secretary of Tiruchi Mavatta Nataka Nadigargal Sangam, said the festival was a success due to the support of patrons and local public. He regretted the lack of government support for such initiatives and thanked South Zone Cultural Centre and R. R. Sabha for coming to the aid of the Sangam. He also pleaded for sponsorship from business houses, along the lines of support for sports and exhibitions.
R. Gunasekaran, Deputy Director of Department of Art Culture, commended the Sangam, and assured all assistance for their future endeavours.
A historical play ‘Madurai Veeran’ was staged by Manpparai K. S. Krishnappa troupe at the end.
Mr. Gajendran gave away prizes to the best plays on the occasion. Following is the list of winners:
Best drama and best director: ‘Uravugal Unarvugal’ presented by Tiruchi RR theatres directed by Tiruchi RR.
Best story: ‘Arthanari’ presented by Jedarpalaiyam Tamil Annai Kalai Manram directed by J. K. Asokan.
Best dialogue: ‘Pin varum Puyalukku’ by Nasreen Nataka Kalai Manram directed by A. Shahul Hameed.
Mass appeal dramas: ‘Verinai patra Vizhuthugal’ Vedaranyam Tamil Panpattu Kalaignargal Sangam directed by S. Sahadevan, ‘Ini Pirivillai’ by Mohanur Kadiravan Kalai Manram and directed by Vanathi Kathir and ‘Puthu Kaathal’ of Kavitha Creations and directed by P. Velusamy.
Special awards: ‘Thideer Uravu’ of BHEL Annai Kalaikuzhu directed by M. Arumainathan; ‘Petravan’ of Navarasa Nataka Manram and directed by Tour K. Subramani and ‘Thanthai Oru Sumaiya?’ of Kuthalam Tamizhannai Kalai Manram and directed by A. P. S. Manimaran.
Best drama promoting patriotism: ‘Jathigal Irukkuthadi Pappa’ of Kanmani Creations direcgted by M. S. Raja.
Best street play: ‘Boothathin Naarkali’ of Kala Brothers Kalaikuzhu directed by P. Karikalan.
Best drama promoting religious harmony: ‘Inraiya Special’ of Golden Brothers Kalaikuzhu directed by J. Julian.
