Thrissur: The 14th edition of the International Theatre Festival of Kerala (ITFOK) kicked off on Friday in a grand opening organized by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi. The festival, spanning eight days, began with captivating performances of two plays, ‘Maati Katha’ from India and ‘Apatridas/Stateless’ from Brazil, along with a mesmerizing music show.
Inaugurating the event, Minister for Culture Saji Cherian highlighted the government’s efforts to establish permanent venues for staging plays. The construction of a dedicated theatre venue named after Thoppil Bhasi has already commenced in Kayamkulam, the minister announced. He further disclosed the government’s plans to host an international folklore festival next year, showcasing Kerala’s rich indigenous art forms.
The theme of this year’s International Theatre Festival of Kerala is ‘Ensemble, Peace, Confidence.’ The festival serves as a platform for artists from different countries to come together and address various social, political, economic, and environmental challenges facing humanity, fostering a spirit of peace and unity through the medium of theatre.
Actor Rohini graced the event as the chief guest, joined by Minister R Bindu, Akademi Chairman Mattannur Sankarankutty, Secretary Karivellur Murali, Lalithakala Akademi Chairman Murali Cheeroth, and Festival Director B Ananthakrishnan, who also shared their insights.
In addition to the theatrical performances, the festival aims to create a cultural exchange among artists and contribute to a global dialogue on shared challenges. The International Theatre Festival of Kerala continues to be a significant cultural event, drawing participants and spectators from various parts of the world.
As the festival unfolds over the next week, attendees can expect a diverse array of performances and discussions, enriching the cultural landscape of Thrissur.
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