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SRUTHI fifth annual day
in Peterlee
A passage through the theatrical
landmarks, visual poetry, songs and dance
SRUTHI celebrated its fifth annual day in East Durham College,
Peterlee on 18th April 2009. Prof. George Onakkoor, the eminent
writer and educationalist and Sri. Jayaraj, director of many
popular and artistic Malayalam films were the guests of honour.
Speaking to a distinguished audience that filled the hall,
Prof. Onakkoor touched upon the evil forces of caste and religious
fundamentalism that is dividing and ruling the Indian society
in modern times. He reminded that at such testing times, it
is the duty of writers and social activists to point to the
right direction and make the society aware of the wonderful
gift that is life. Director Jayaraj’s acclaimed short
film based on Thakazhi’s short story ‘Vellapokkathil’
was screened for the audience. Dr. Ravi Menon and Dr. Jyothi
Madhavan led an interesting conversation with the chief guests
and this was interspaced with relevant film songs.
The highlight of the evening was a full length dance drama
‘Yavanika Katha Parayunnu’ presented by Sruthi
and directed by Dr. Jayakrishnan. Involving a cast and crew
of nearly 40 people this visual spectacle with its novel concept,
settings, audio-visual effects and music left the audience
spell bound. Exploring the milestones in development of the
Malayalam theatre, the drama took the audience on an unforgettable
journey through time. Landmark plays and theatrical styles
evolving through various periods were included. Excerpts from
‘ Adukkalayil ninnu aragathekku (V.T. Bhattathirippadu),
Ningalanne communistakki( Thoppil Bhasi), Ithu bhoomiyanu
(K.T. Mohammed), Lanka Lekshmi, (C.N.Sreekantan Nair), Karimkutty(Kaavalam)
and Bharathavakyam (G. Sankara Pillai) were presented.
The evening also visualised classical Kuchipudi and folk
dancing choreographed by Dr. Mayadevi Kurup. The group dance
‘Rithukeli’ with ONV’s poetic lyrics, heart-warming
music by V. Rajeev and brilliant and spectacular choreography
by Maya was a refreshing and renovating experience. Anitha
Sethumadhavan performed Mohiniyattam and Suraj entertained
the audience with classical and popular songs played on the
violin - Dr. Ravi Menon (ravimen@gmail.com).
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