Since the last World Theatre Day, Lokadharmi’s year-old space has cloaked over 10 workshops involving prominent theatre personalities from across the world. As it morphs from a production house to a centre of excellence, Chandradasan’s endeavour has left no stone unturned.From interactive sessions on subjects such as gender and theatre to workshops led by personalities such as Kathleen Mulligan, the associate professor of voice and speech at New York's Ithaca College, this community has been promoting a holistic approach to theatre through its latest projects. “We’re hoping to both expand and intensify our work within these realms in the coming months,” begins Chandradasan, who’ll be launching Friends Circle of Lokadharmi (FCoL), an open fraternity of patrons, promoters and fellows who’ve been following the group’s journey over the last two decades, next week.
Connecting the dots
An attempt to build Nadaka Veedu into a melting pot of various art forms, FCol will provide its members with an opportunity to collaborate with Lokadharmi on various fronts. Apart from their monthly theatre workshops and reach out programs, Chandradasan’s team is also looking at the possibility of hosting cultural performances at the venue every month.“Moving away from the mainstream/popular genres, we will be bringing in artists and art forms that are otherwise marginalised in the broader sphere,” he clarifies, adding that the proposed events range from live music to screenings of critically acclaimed films and documentaries. Presently involved with unearthing the theatrical heritage of Vypin, the artiste hints at the possibility of an authentic chavittunadakam production by Lokadharmi in the near future, aside from projects such as Malayalam version of Shakunthalam and a children’s play titled ‘oru aadu lokam’.
Karna’s curse
26 years. 300 plus performances. An ever-changing cast of dynamic actors. Lokadharmi’s take on Bhasa’s Karnabharam is a theatrical experience that stood the test of time. “I think the story’s relevance across time has played a major role in the success of this play. The caste system and social structure as seen in the production still thrive in the contemporary society. That realisation never fails to strike a chord,” says the award-winning director. Karnabharam will be staged on March 27. From 7 pm onwards. At Nadaka Veedu, Vypin.
FCoL will be launched on March 27 at Vypin. Membership from `3,000 onwards
— Arya P Dinesh
aryadinesh@newindianexpress.com
@Arya_TNIE