Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Minister promises help for theatre venue

Special Correspondent

Sarang 2006, an 11-day national theatre festival, inaugurated

HONOURED: Union Minister of State for Planning M.V. Rajasekharan presenting a certificate of honour to folk theatre exponent Mannur Chandran at the inaugural function of the Sarang national theatre festival in the city on Sunday. Also seen are playwr ight Kavalam Narayana Panikker and actor Amol Palekar. - Photo: S. Mahinsha

Thiruvananthapuram: Union Minister of State for Planning M.V. Rajasekharan on Sunday stressed the need for a good theatre venue in the State capital.

Speaking after inaugurating Sarang 2006, an 11-day national theatre festival, being organised by the Sri Sathya Sai Orphanage Trust here, he said such a venue would go a long way in promoting theatre art.

Funds from Centre

Mr. Rajasekharan assured theatre lovers in the city that he would exert pressure on the Centre to sanction funds for a good venue.

He urged the State Government to identify a location for the proposed complex. The Minister was responding to a plea raised by playwright and theatre activist Kavalam Narayana Panikker in his presidential address.

Mr. Rajasekharan hoped the festival would contribute to the glorious theatre tradition of the country and help awaken young talent.

Veteran actor Amol Palekar was the chief guest at the function. Mayor C. Jayan Babu, Pannyan Ravindran, MP; G. Karthikeyan, MLA; acting chairperson of the orphanage trust M. Subhadra Nair; programme director Harikrishnan Kavalam and Sarang general convener Anandakumar spoke.

Certificate of honour

Mr. Rajasekharan presented a certificate of honour to folk theatre exponent Mannur Chandran.

The inaugural function was followed by `Manishada', a musical and theatrical event presented by Sai Gramam, Thonnakkal.

The festival will see a cross-section of Indian theatre spanning folk, classical and experimental plays in eight languages.

Galaxy of directors

A galaxy of directors and artistes from all over the country will also be present in the city during the festival.

A one-day theatre workshop for university students is also being organised at Sai Gramam, Thonnakkal in connection with the event.

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