Date:01/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/01/stories/2009010152810300.htm

Kerala - Thrissur

Theatre festival concludes

Staff Reporter

African theatre festival next year: Akademi chairman

Artistes could achieve what diplomats could not, says Azhikode

Thrissur: The International Theatre Festival of Kerala concluded here on Wednesday with the staging of the Nepalese play, ‘Fire in the Monastery’.

Addressing the valedictory function, writer Sukumar Azhikode said the 10-day festival proved that artistes could achieve what diplomats could not.

“When the media was awash with reports about escalating Indo-Pakistan tensions, audience in Thrissur were enjoying a Pakistan play (staged at the festival on December 23). When actor- director from Bangladesh greeted a dramatist from Pakistan in Indian soil, it seemed there was a reversal of history. The love, communication and understanding between people of different nations, colour and creed the festival witnessed make it more effective than a diplomatic summit. I hope our diplomats in New Delhi will sit up and take notice. I wish they understand the power of art to spread love, bring people together and renew humanism," he said.

Iranian play praised

He was all praise for Iranian director Mohammed Aghebati who gave a fresh interpretation to the Oedipus story. Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi chairman Murali said the Akademi would hold an African theatre festival next year.

Festival director J. Shailaja, playwright C.L. Jos, Kerala Kalamandalam Deemed University for Art and Culture Registrar N.R. Gramaprakash, Kerala State Chalachitra Academy chairman K.R. Mohanan, Kerala Sahitya Akademi secretary Purushan Kadalundi and journalist M.P. Surendran were present on the occasion.