A take on contemporary society

HSS-level drama competition was well received by the audience for the themes

A scene from the play 'First Bell' staged by the students of GHSS, Konni at Kerala School Kalolsavam on Sunday

The drama competition (HSS) at the school arts festival saw a blend of plays that showcased socially relevant and contemporary issues. The plays were staged before a full house at Mary Immaculate Higher Secondary School, Poomkavu.

Nile Diary, an adaptation of writer Unni R.’s Thodinnappuram Parambinnappuram, by the students of Higher Secondary School, Peringode, Palakkad, took the audience to the life of an elderly woman and her granddaughter. The play touched on different subjects — their relationship and struggles, being a woman in a male-dominated society, and above all the woman’s concern about the girl’s future in a vulnerable society.

Theatre of change

Government Higher Secondary School, Konni, Pathanamthitta, shed light on the issue of theatre and theatre artistes losing sheen in the contemporary world. Their drama, First Bell, successfully conveyed the historical role and importance of theatre in raising social awareness and development of society. It depicted the story of a stage artiste, who was chained by his family for talking about drama all the time. However, he received an award and successfully relaunched his career as a stage artiste.

Otta , by the students of Carmel Higher Secondary School, Thiruvananthapuram, brought the issue of uniform civil code and its ramifications in society. Pacha, adopted from Sarah Joseph’s Aalahayude Penmakkal and staged by the students of Government Higher Secondary School (Boys), Paravur, all victims of the recent flood, was well received. The competition, which commenced on Sunday morning, continued into the night.