THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The idea of a performance is no longer restricted to a certain space or style. The influence of global movements—who are united in their vision to bring art into the public space—is certainly creating waves in Kerala’s cultural fabric.
Taking its cue from the scenario, the ninth edition of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi’s festival focusses on unlikely performance spaces
including swimming pools. Commenting on the same, noted theatre personality Anuradha Kapoor elaborates, “Reimagine the street—cars, buses squares, crossroads all thrown up in the air and recombined as theatre objects, scenery, reality—inviting you to plunge into the real word as it enters fiction, or as fiction enters the real world.” Theatre aficionados from Kochi shouldn’t hesitate to make the 90-minute drive to Thrissur, as the
festival boasts a lineup of shows featuring over 16 international theatre companies and eight Indian productions including Kaali Natakam by Lokadharmi theatre group.
We find out how foreign troupes are attempting collaborations with native artistes to create new shows that’ll be an amalgamation of cultural ideas on theatre. February 20 - 28. At Thrissur. Details: theatrefestivalkerala.com
Strings Theatre Company
Their site-specific show, Strings, brings in elements from theatre, dance, circus and music. “Our dynamic performance aims to break down the hierarchy between audience and performers,” explains French actress Mbalou Arnould.
Boasting of international awards, the showcase features Finnish dance-artist Nella Turkki, along with three Indian artists integrating local movement practices into the spectacle. On February 21-22 at 7 pm
Kamchàtka
This Spanish street ensemble insists that their exposition be called ‘final presentation of the popular Migrar workshop’. Having toured 27 countries, this workshop explores the theme of migration, while embracing the theatrical tradition of communication for collective growth.
“We’re pulling in 30 native artistes into a workshop process to create an itinerant presentation that will explore the city’s public spaces,” says the company. On February 25. At 4.30 pm
La Patriotico Interesante
Image, gesture, and music are weaved in tightly by this Chilean group. Directed by Ignacio Achurra, their street performance titled Sari Rosa incorporates local talents.
“We want to address the issue of violence against women. It’s a universal concern which has caused rage in India, Latin America, etc,” responds the group, which recently organised workshops at the Aurillac International Festival (France). On February 28 at 4 pm