26, Nov 2022

Thiruvananthapuram: The second edition of Network of Artistic Theatre Activists Kerala (NATAK) state conference got off to a colourful start at Tagore Theatre here on Thursday.

Civil rights activist Teesta Setelvad who inaugurated the three-day state meeting of theatre artists and activists lauded the first-of-its-kind efforts by theatre workers for the rejuvenation and proliferation of theatre.

Teesta said the struggle for justice is a continuous process and the theatre workers can effectively carry forward the struggle demanding due recognition in society and cultural space. “Even if there is only one voice of dissent, we will have to listen to it,” she said, adding that her struggle for civil rights did not wean away in the face of obstacles and crisis.

“When I was jailed, my colleagues carried forward the struggle for civil rights. Wherever there is oppression of human rights, the voice of resistance will emerge. I hope this experience of civil right activists would motivate theatre activists who have gathered here,” Teesta said.

National School of Drama former director Kirthi Jain, NATAK general secretary J Shailaja, senior theatre artist D Raghoothaman, president P Raghunath spoke at the opening ceremony, explaining the objective of the collective and its journey so far.

The first day of the state conference came to a close with the performance of the Manipuri adaptation of Dharam Veer Bharati’s play ‘Andhayug’.

The original piece may be read here