KOCHI: The Nataka Kalari movement started by G. Shankara Pillai in 1967, which has contributed some of the best theatre practitioners in the country, is celebrating golden jubilee year from this month. Several programmes are planned in connection with year-long celebrations which will be inaugurated by Adoor Gopalakrishnan in Kochi on Sunday, which also marks the 41st death anniversary of C.N Sreekandhan Nair, founder member of Nataka Kalari movement.
“The Nataka Kalari movement gave a new impetus to the theatre. With the inception of Kalari, many innovative plays like Samathwavadi by Pulimana Parameswaran Pillai, 1128 Crime 27 and Avan Veendum Varunnu by C.J. Thomas were brought to life on stage. In 1978, a new playhouse called ‘Vaikkom Thirunal Natakavedi’ was formed to help students who complete the Nataka Kalari course to realise their creative concepts which function as repertoire of the movement,” said John T. Vekkan, director of Vaikkom Thirunal Natakavedi,
The Vaikom Thirunal Nataka Vedi presented several renowned plays such as Deepam Deepam by G. Sankara Pillai, Utharayanam by N.N Pillai, and Makudi by P. Balachandran which won widespread acclaims and awards. Kendra Sangeetha Nataka Academy and Union culture ministry have recognised Vaikkom Thirunal Natakavedi for its meritorious performance, innovative plays and other theatre oriented activities. The silver jubilee celebrations were held with year-long programmes in 1992.
