Film-maker rues loss of base in Kerala for theatre

Theatre is losing base in Kerala because of the lack of socially relevant themes, noted film-maker Lenin Rajendran has said.

July 28, 2014 10:09 am | Updated 10:09 am IST - Kozhikode:

Theatre is losing base in Kerala because of the lack of socially relevant themes, noted film-maker Lenin Rajendran has said.

Inaugurating the P.M. Taj Commemoration programme in Kozhikode on Sunday, Mr. Lenin said the organisations that once patronised theatre were gradually losing interest in it, leading to a lack of support base for the art form.

Prominent tool

Mr. Rajendran said that theatre was a prominent tool for social change in Kerala at one point in time.

P.M. Taj was the last link to that heritage.

“Taj was a dramatist and actor who knew the true meaning of the word ‘Modern Drama’. He blended the social relevant issues into his plays quite effortlessly and most of his themes are timeless. Even with a strong leaning towards the Leftist movement, Taj had avoided using political themes in his plays”, Mr. Rajendran added.

Migration of artistes

The film-maker said the migration of several talented artistes to cinema had also spelled doom for the theatre movement in the State.

He appreciated the effort put forth by some youngsters recently to revive it.

Kozhikode Corporation Health Standing Committee Chairperson and a member of the Purogamana Kalasahitya Sangham State committee Janamma Kunhunni presided over the function while social critic K.E.N. Kunhammad spoke on the topic ‘Freedom, expression, Democracy’.

A book ‘Kambolamanushyarude Prime time Recipekal’ by V.K. Dileep was released on the occasion by Mr. Lenin.

A play ‘Kuzhivettunnavarodu’ by School of Drama Alumni was staged after the function.

The three-day P.M. Taj commemoration programmes kicked off on Saturday with a few street plays being held in the city.

A screening of documentaries and short films on Sunday morning was another highlight of the programme.

A get-together of theatre persons will be held at the Town hall on Monday morning.

The programme will conclude with a valedictory function at 5 pm.

0 / 0
Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.