Tribute to a thespian
K.K. GOPALAKRISHNAN
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A workshop was organised in connection with the birth anniversary of G. Sankara Pillai.
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Lend me your ears: S. Ramanujam interacts with participants of the theatre workshop.
G. Sankara Pillai had played a crucial role in the artistic theatre movement of Kerala. Every year, since the thespian’s death on January 1, 1989, the Thrissur-based theatre group Rangachetana has been conducting memorial programmes on January 1 and on June 22, his birth anniversary. This year, Rangachetana, in association with Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademi, organised a theatre workshop led by theatre guru S. Ramanujam of Tanjore (Tamil Nadu) at the Natyagriham of the Sangeeta Nataka Akademi.
‘Bharatavakyam’
Fifteen theatre activists, including alumni of School of Drama, participated in the workshop. One of Pillai’s outstanding plays, ‘Bharatavakyam’ was selected as the main topic of the camp.
The workshop was divided into two segments. While the morning session had participants, including technicians and musicians, looking into the intricacies of artistic theatre from a holistic concept, the afternoon session had six actors and technicians interpreting and improvising ‘Bharatavakyamm,’ under the guidance of Prof. Ramanujam.
Experiencing theatre
Says Prof. Ramanujam, “Sankara Pillai always wanted all to feel the experience of theatre, its different styles and modes, as he believed that theatre traditions are rooted in our soil. ‘Bharatavakyam’ is not restricted to a particular style; it is both realistic and surrealistic; hence it is a real challenge for any director to take it up.”
‘Bharatavakyam’ is about a man’s quest for ambition. In the pursuit, he, however, hurts those who love him.
The workshop concluded with a talk on ‘Acting – oriental views’ by Sangeeta Akademi Chairman and actor Murali followed by Sankara Pillai Memorial Speech by Prof. Ramanjuam.
The participants of the workshop will stage ‘Bharatavkayam’ on June 23 at the Natyagriham.
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