The Kerala Fine Arts Society Hall is set to host a culturally rich weekend as two distinctive theatre productions arrive in the city, each blending history, literature and visual storytelling.
While one reimagines the creative world of one of Malayalam’s greatest writers, the other recreates a landmark moment in India’s social reform movement.
The first is an innovative theatrical tribute to M T Vasudevan Nair, titled ‘MT – Malayalathinte Randaksharam (MT – The Two Letters of Malayalam)’, which will be staged on January 24.
Organised by Kaazhcha Naataka Sangham and the Kerala Fine Arts Society under the banner of Rajaputhra, the production blends film, theatre and live performance.
“Characters from MT’s works will be seen interacting with the legendary writer himself, creating a dialogue between the creator and his creations,” says renowned make-up artist Pattanam Rasheed, who makes his directorial debut with this play.
“People may know me primarily as a make-up artist, but directing this play came naturally to me. I grew up around theatre and music. My father was among the first to start a musical troupe in Ernakulam. However, it is only now that I have been able to pursue this side of my interests.”
The play draws from Rasheed’s personal observations — “how MT spoke, thought and possibly interacted with the characters he created”.
“I was fortunate to work on a few of MT’s films, which gave me an opportunity to observe him closely,” says Rasheed.
“We know that when MT wrote, he visualised his characters in the people around him. This play attempts to recreate those imagined interactions and conversations,” says Rasheed.
The production brings together an experienced creative team. The script is by Binulal Unni, lyrics by Rafeeq Ahammed, and music composed by Bijibal. Stage design is by Artist Sujathan, while make-up is handled by Pattanam Shah.
Notably, the evening will also see the release of the English translation of Rasheed’s book ‘Chamayam’, published by DC Books.
On the Gandhi–Guru meeting
The second play, titled ‘Rishi Sangamam’, will be staged on January 25. The production revolves around the historic meeting between Mahatma Gandhi and Sree Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt on March 12, 1925.
Produced by Vidyodaya School in association with the Kerala Fine Arts Society, the play is presented as part of the centenary commemoration of the Gandhi–Guru encounter.
The production has been developed entirely by the school’s teachers, led by scriptwriter P Jayashree and director Rama K Nair. “One of the biggest challenges was the lack of reliable source material,” says Rama.
“Apart from a few newspaper archives, there was very little documented information available about the meeting. Our team spent nearly three months researching the subject and consulting experts before the script could be finalised.”
The motivation behind the project, Rama explains, was the limited attention given to Kerala’s social history in school curricula. “We wanted to introduce students to this important chapter of our history in a form that would engage and inspire them,” she says.
Over 60 teachers will perform on stage, with another 14 working behind the scenes. “Most of the performers are women, many of whom will play male roles. Two male teachers will portray Mahatma Gandhi and Sree Narayana Guru. Parents, especially fathers, also volunteered to help by recording male voice-overs for dialogues,” says Rama.
The play will transport audiences to early-20th-century Kerala, tracing its social structures, reform movements and historical context, culminating in the meeting of the two leaders.
Venue: Fine Arts Society Hall
‘MT – Malayalathinte Randaksharam’ January 24, Saturday, 7pm
‘Rishi Sangamam’ January 25, Sunday, 6pm
Entry to both events is free and open to all