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Photo: S. Ramesh Kurup

Solo act: M. Sajitha in ‘Mathsyagandhi.’

‘Kuthirapanthi Madathil Kunjampu,’ presented by KMK Smaraka Kalasamithi, was an example of the conventional type of story-telling. Although the storyline was conventional, director Priyanandanan told the story with a touch of innovation. It tells us the plight of Kunjampu, an unsung hero during the independence struggle.

As for ‘Chakees chankaran, Moonnam Bhagam,’ directed by Jayaprakash Kuloor, it was a matter of continuing a legacy. The thought provoking antics and humour of Chakki and Chankaran had already amused the audience in previous years. Vinod as Chakki, who represents the hypocrisy of snobbish families, evoked laughter as she played out the idiosyncrasies of a teenage girl.

Chankaran, essayed by Binoy, was a foil to the girl.

On the other hand, a sombre atmosphere was created by ‘VT Arangathekku,’ which was performed by Calicut University Little Theater. As a tribute to the late theatre doyen V.T. Bhattathirippad, the play depicted his struggles. Director Shibu S. Kottaram told the story in a non-linear way. The story threw light on hitherto unknown facets of V.T.’s personality.

Gopinath Kozhikode’s script had woven in quotes from V.T.’s works, ‘Kannerum Kinavum,’ ‘Adukkalayil ninnum arangathekku’ et al. The struggle within the celebrated reformer and artist was brilliantly portrayed.

‘Cycle Moshtav,’ a play presented by Prakash Kalakendram, Kollam, portrayed the plight of the characters of the celebrated film ‘Bicycle thieves’ by Vittoria De Sica in a novel way. C.R. Ramesh who scripted and directed the brilliant play said that, he “only tried to read the classic movie through the eyes of the characters.”

Sopanam Theatre led by theatre doyen Kavalam Narayana Panikker staged Kalidasa’s ‘Malavigagni Mithram.’ The story deals with the love affair between King Agnimithra and Malavika. The brilliant depiction of an Asoka tree that sensitively reflected the incidents on stage illustrated the importance of nature in the works of Kalidasa.

“You take any of his works,” said Kavalam, “you can see the prominence of nature. It becomes a character.” The dialogues were in Hindi and Sanskrit. “That is necessary to capture the essence of the play. The language is open to various interpretations,” he added.

The hall at CoBank towers in Thiruvananthapuram was packed when M. Sajitha staged her solo ‘Mathsyagandhi,’ which unfolds the impact of globalisation on the lives of poor fisherwomen. Sajitha essayed the role with flair.

‘Sizwe Banzi is dead,’ a hard hitting play against apartheid, was also watched by a full house. ‘Bhoma,’ ‘Bayen,’ ‘Alibabayum 40 Kallanmarum’ and ‘Chanthamullaval’ were the other plays performed as part of the festival.

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