It is important to have new theatre adaptations for the plays of K.T. Muhammed considering the fact that his was one of the most powerful voices against the degenerative and fascistic tendencies in society, speakers at a seminar here on Wednesday observed.
Organised in commemoration of the playwright, the seminar discussed the ‘cultural premises of the anti-fascistic movements’ and the possible forms in which fascism penetrate the collective psyche of a society in the pretext of being a ‘civilizing’ entity.
V. Sukumaran spoke of the ‘neo-fascistic tendencies’ cropping up in the society, including college campuses in the State. He maintained that incidences of ‘moral policing’ were part of it. “Such movements, in fact, are taking advantage of the weakening stance of the progressive and revolutionary groups, which were once strong in the society,” he said.
Criticising the growing tendency of political parties to “compromise” on grave socio-political issues, Prof. Sukumaran said there were few writers these days to take on such regressive forces. “All are in a hurry to save their skin, but the late playwright KT was never so,” he said.
Film critic G.P. Ramachandran said that one could notice the infiltration of fascistic ideas into films only if the he was very intelligent and sharp-eyed. “It all begins with the swallowing of media houses and film production companies by the corporate houses,” he said.
Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi vice chairman T.M. Abraham inaugurated the KT commemoration meet held later.
