Revitalising theatre
T. K. SADASIVAN
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Issues raised in Edaserry Govindan Nair's `Kootukrishi' are relevant even today.
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SOWING IDEAS: Edaserry Govindan Nair's `Koottukrishi' is an evergreen play that knows no barriers of time.
Theatre has played a very important role in acting as a catalyst in ushering in many socio-economic changes that took place in Kerala in the Forties and Fifties. There were numerous professional as well as amateur theatre groups all over the State. But of late, they have been reduced to a few. It is in this context that Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademi decided to form its own theatre group.
"The Akademi felt the need to form its own group to revitalise the theatre movement in the State. But the immediate reason was the Government's intention to revive cultural activities in rural areas, especially in the wake of growing disillusion among peasants.
The theatre group's maiden attempt is `Kootukrishi' by Edaserry Govindan Nair. Its debut was at `Uyirppu,' a rural cultural festival at Waynaad," explains P. Gangadharan, secretary of the Akademi.
Birth centenary
It is commendable that the Akademi aptly chose this play on the occasion of the birth centenary of versatile writer Edaserry Govindan Nair. Pramod Payyannur, director of the play, says, "The issues raised in `Kottukrishi' are still relevant. There is a need to revive the farmers' faith in agriculture, and end their feeling of isolation and disappointment."
The play, organised by Bank Employees' Arts Movement Ernakulam (BEAME) at Kerala Fine Arts Hall, Kochi, was well received by spectators.
`Kootukrishi,' (Joint Farming) written in 1949, is about three farmers who venture into joint farming ignoring their communal differences and social resentments. The play progresses through the struggle of the three - Sreedharan Nair, Aboobacker and Velu.
The simple story well communicates and depicts the typical village life of those days. The original text has been slightly modified to make it contemporary. However the two scenes that have been added at the beginning and at the end to reflect contemporary realities do not go well with the original play.
The striking feature of `Koottukrishi' is its talented actors. Jayasurya (Abubacker), C. K. Babu (Sreedharan Nair) and Mavelikara Sha (Velu) excelled in the lead roles.
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