The city could soon get a Kalamandalam “global outreach centre” at Fort Kochi’s Folklore Cultural Theatre, which has been awaiting a revival after the pandemic.
Set up in 2009, the theatre was meant to promote Kerala’s traditional art forms such as Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Ottanthullal, Koothu and Kalaripayattu. The idea was to host daily shows at the air-conditioned facility with a seating capacity of 70.
However, over time, the enthusiasm seemed to wane. The centre, managed by the Cochin Heritage Zone Conservation Society (CHZCS), “has not hosted any event after Covid-19,” says an employee.
Writer, artist and Kochi-Muziris Biennale co-founder Bony Thomas, who is the nodal officer of CHZCS, explains that the theatre had earlier been rented out for performing arts centres to organise events.
“We then leased the property out. But we had to reclaim it as the tenant axed some trees on the theatre premises,” he says. “Now, Kalamandalam is likely to take up the theatre entirely for them.”
Kalamandalam has apparently proposed establishing a global outreach and information centre in the theatre building. As per the plan, there would be a revival of regular stage performances.
“Kalamandalam is not easily accessible to foreign tourists. It would be great if Kochi, a tourism hub, can be home to a part of it,” says a top Kalamandalam official.
“We haven’t decided the day-to-day happenings. Discussions are going on. Once things get sorted, we will make a detailed presentation.”
Bony notes that it is with the interest of the government that Kalamandalam is taking up the space. “The place needs some basic maintenance work. The air-conditioning system needs to be fixed, and some other additions should also be made,” he adds.
Former Kochi mayor K J Sohan welcomes the plan, even as he expresses disappointment over the theatre’s current status. “The complex, while it was built, was caught in a chaos. The initial plan for construction was made by the corporation, which owns the land. Later, the tourism department took over the project as they funded it,” he recalls.
“The centre was not constructed adhering to the heritage zone guidelines. Control of the theatre was handed over to CHZCS, while the corporation retained charge of the rooms and office spaces in the same building.”
Fort Kochi councillor Adv Antony Kureethara, who is a CHZCS member, wants the corporation to take over management of the theatre.” I have raised this concern in the corporation council earlier,” he says.
Dismissing the “confusions”, Mayor M Anil Kumar says Kalamandalam taking up the space will be a “beautiful initiative”.
“One of the representatives from Kalamandalam had recently called me, informing me that they were planning to set up their centre here,” he adds.
“I told them I would personally visit the spot and extend my support. The area has great tourism potential, and the theatre can be utilised well if the project is executed properly.”