THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Civil rights activist Teesta Setalvad will inaugurate the second edition of NATAK (Network of Artistic Theatre Activists Kerala) set to begin here on Friday.

NATAK general secretary J Shailaja, on Wednesday, said more than 450 artists from across the state and Bengaluru unit of NATAK will participate in the three-day delegate’s conference at Tagore Theatre here. Kirti Jain, former director, National School of Drama will also attend the opening ceremony.

Actor and activist Prakash Raj will inaugurate the valedictory function on Sunday. Theatre director and writer Prasanna Ramaswamy will also speak on the occasion.

Two plays will be staged in connection with the NATAK state conference. On the opening day at 5pm, Dharamveer Bharati’s acclaimed play ‘Andhayug’ will be staged by TAAM Theatre group, Manipur. Kannada play, ‘Yathra Naryastu Poojyanthe’ by Kalatta Udyavara, Bengaluru, will be performed after the valedictory function on Sunday.

NATAK office bearers said the organization aims for complete rejuvenation of theatre, besides the overall welfare of theatre artists and activists. One of the major demands of the organization is inclusion of theatre as a subject in school education and introduction of theatre appreciation courses in higher education institutions.

NATAK, the first state-level organization of Malayalam theatre workers, has been on its journey for 6 years. “We are trying to evolve as a grassroots as well as a frontline organization. We understand that collective, theatrical, artistic, organizational, and cultural innovations are necessary for society to move forward. Our strength to overcome all difficulties is the realization that such an organization is essential to keep reminding everyone again and again of the fact that theatre can make a big impact and difference in society and the lives of individuals. The concept, hard work, and execution of this conference are the continuation of this thought,” said Shailaja.

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