The 11th edition of the International Theatre Festival of Kerala (ITFoK) organised by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi began here on Sunday.
Speaking after inaugurating the festival, Culture Minister A.K. Balan said though the State had been going through post-flood financial crunch, the festival was being organised with total support from the government.
“The ITFoK has now become part of the State Budget, considering its significance. An amount of ₹50 lakh has been earmarked for this year even amidst our severe financial issues. Over the years, the ITFoK has become a festival of world importance,” he said.
Though we avoided extravaganza and cut short the number of plays, no compromise had been made on quality, he said. “Theatre is a strong tool to communicate with the people. The government has plans to make a permanent venue for the ITFoK,” he said. Kannada playwright, director, novelist and activist Prasanna was presented with the Ammannur Puraskaram this year. The Minister presented the Puraskaram to him at the function. Reading the citation, festival director Kumara Varma said Prasanna had spoken vehemently for the rights of rural poor. A true Gandhian, his primary focus was the empowerment of the downtrodden. Akademi chairperson KPAC Lalitha presided. Education Minister C. Ravindranath released the festival book.
A dialogue
Speaking at the function, Kerala Sahitya Akademi president Vaisakhan quoted the words of Prasanna that ‘Theatre is a dialogue, not a monologue.’ “Kerala has boldly survived two recent floods. One was a natural calamity and the second, a man-made one, created by right-wing forces at Sabarimala. Still, it is a proud moment for us to conduct such a festival,” he said. Festival directors Arundathi Nag and Riana and Sangeetha Nataka Akademi secretary N. Radhakrishnan Nair and executive member Francis T. Mavelikkara spoke.
From Lanka
Bitter Nectar by Janakaraliya from Sri Lanka was the opening play. The play is the story about plantation workers, brought from south India to Ceylon around 120 years ago.
The Well from Iran is the second play. A saxophone recital by M.S. Lavanya and group followed.
