Making Waves of Change, Through Drama
KOZHIKODE: When 22 Kozhikodens, who were pretty enthusiastic about drama, came together in 2007, ‘SRADDA' - Society of Real And Dedicated Drama Activists' was formed. Sensing the pulse of society and using drama as a potential tool to educate people from all sectors of life, the group is still active in every part of the district.
The themes they have developed and the effort they have put in are exemplary. “It takes several days for us to shape a drama; our collective mind and creative opinions improvise each scene during the discussions,” says secretary of Sradda, K Yatheendran. “The openness to take suggestions and the willingness to accept corrections make us united even after seven years of launch,” he says. According to the members, Sradda is the first registered drama society in the state.
Their first drama ‘Anantharavakasikal' was the Malayalam adaptation of renowned Ukrain author Sholom Aleichem's work. “The feedback we received for 'Anantharavakasikal' gave us the courage to go on with new productions,” says P K Joshi, a member.
When they staged ‘Patta Bhakki,' the first political drama of K Damodaran, the response was wonderful. Within seven years they performed around 14 dramas, including 'Sudheendrante Manas' and 'Piano.' Recently, for the Thanal Suicide Prevention Centre, they performed ‘Madhuram Ee Jeevitham.' Now the society is busy practising a drama titled 'Daivam Veendum Thettidharikkapedunnu,' to participate in the ‘Omchery Theatre Festival' to be held in Thiruvananthapuram in September.
“We feel truly satisfied with our accomplishments,” they say.
In the beginning there was no particular place for them to gather. Gradually, with the help of the members, they built a small building near Kalipoyka at Kottooli in the city.
On the sixth of every month, all the members will be present at the main office of Sradda to review what they have done to make the dramas popular.
“Since we are that much passionate about theatre, no meeting is a futile effort,” says president of Sradda, K T Purushothaman.
They also find time to interact with children on how to make use of the media in their studies. “Instead of forcing the children to attend tuition classes, they should be sent to learn drama which will escalate their confidence and personality,” say the drama activists.