The Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademi has declared the professional theatre awards for 2016.
Veyil by Valluvanad Krishnakalanilayam got the best play award. It carries a purse of ₹50,000 and citation. Athoru Kadhayanu by Thiruvananthapuram Aradhana and Madhuranombarappottu by Pala Communications shared the award for the best second play. Mayadharpan by Kollam Kalidhasa Kalakendram was selected for the special jury award. The other awards are: best director: Rajesh Irulam ( Veyil ); best second director: Vatsan Nisari ( Madhuranombarappottu ); best actor: Thrissur Sashankan ( Athoru Kadhayanu ); best second actor: Sarasan ( Nakshathrangal Parayathirunnathu ); best actress: July Binu ( Madhuranombarappottu ); best second actress: Susan Ushadharan ( Veyil ) and Meenakshi Adithya ( Mayadharpan ); best scriptwriter: Hemand Kumar ( Veyil ); second best scriptwriter: Muhad Vembayam ( Athoru Kathayanu ); best lyricist: Karivalur Murali ( Adiya Thambratti ); best music director: Anil Mala ( Veyil ); best male singer: T.K. Santhosh Kumar ( Athoru Kadhayanu ); best female singer: T.K. Subha ( Kundumba Nadanthe Sradhakku ); best stage designer: Samkutty Pattankari ( Mayadharpan ); best lighting: Rajesh Irulam ( Veyil ); and best costume: James Changanasserry ( Veyil ).
Ten plays selected from a list of 38 received were performed at the Fine Arts Society hall, Perumbavoor, from May 15 to 25. A jury chaired by Ibrahim Vengara selected the winners.
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The awards will be presented by Minister for Cultural Affairs A.K. Balan at the Regional Theatre here on June 10. A 10-day cultural festival will be held in connection with the event.