Jino Joseph is on cloud nine. Anybody will be, if their play bagged the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Award (META) in four major categories.
Mathi, a satirical take on some of the grave life situations, did wonders at META this year, bagging the best production (Malayala Kalanilayam, Koothuparamba), best director, best original script (both for Jino Joseph) and the best actor (Renji Kankol) awards for the most realistic portrayal of the lead character ‘Mathi Rafeeque.’
The play had also bagged five other nominations, including the best stage design, light design, best actor in a supporting role (female), ensemble, and choreography.
Math i, which comes with a tagline ‘tasty, healthy, economic’, had already bagged various Sangeeta Nataka Akademi awards. META has come as the ultimate recognition for the director, who had made his mark with the much acclaimed Porotta a few years ago. In fact, the title Mathi (sardine) came from a comment of his friend, “your Porotta needs a curry”.
The play, with its down to earth situations, is “more life than theatre” and breaks many conventional ideas of theatre. It caters to the most ordinary people in villages as much as it does to the elite audience at theatre festivals.
That it impressed the crowd in Delhi, not much familiar with the socio-political situation in Kerala, shows the impact of theatre irrespective of language and culture.
Jino Joseph, who hails from Kannur, was not very confident even though his play had eight nominations, especially since the shortlist featured plays by many well-known and appreciated playmakers.
He was hopeful about the award for the director and the one for the best production was a sweet addition. “The award for the script was really not expected,” Jino said.
Renji Kankol’s achievement, however, was a great surprise as he was not even nominated for the awards. “I felt it though when some people asked for his name. Renji is not an actor. He was chosen just for his appearance. His performance was original since he did not act at all,” Jino added. Jino’s latest venture is Kani, a take on the audience and its many faces. The play had bagged the Sangeeta Nataka Akademi award for second best original script.