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The government will fund the production of ten plays aimed at reinforcing the values of humanity and compassion in society, Minister for Cultural Affairs Saji Cherian has said. The initiative is part of the Cultural department’s ‘Faith, Friendship, and Humanity’ campaign, launched to counter the growing intolerance in society. Presenting the 2024 State Professional Drama Awards instituted by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi here on Wednesday, the Minister said plays that spread the message of human values must challenge the superstitions and toxic practices that hide behind the mask of faith. He directed the akademi to select plays created by artists based on this concept, assuring that the government would bear production and presentation expenses of 10 plays. The government also planned to construct new permanent theatres at Kayamkulam, Thrissur, and in the Malabar region to provide dedicated venues for drama performances. “These venues will not only strengthen theatre culture but also ensure better livelihood opportunities for artistes,” he said. “Our government has always stood close to theatre practitioners, supporting their creative and social missions,” he said. Mr. Cherian distributed the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi’s 2024 State Professional Drama Awards. Vazhvemayam by Valluvanad Brahma was chosen as the best play, while Mittayitheruvu by Rangabhasha, Kozhikode, won the second best play award. Rajesh Irulam was named best director and Rajeevan Mammili second best director. Muhad Vembayam won the best playwright and V.P. Hemant Kumar runner-up awards. The best actor award went to Johnson Aikkara and Kalavoor Sreelan won second best actor award. Sreeja N.K. and Bindu Suresh were selected as the best and second best actress respectively. Other awardees included Ramesh Kavil (best lyricist), Keralapuram Sreekumar (best music director), Anil Mala (best background score), Jose Sagar (best male singer), Hima Shinjo (best female singer), Gopinath Kozhikode (best lighting designer), Vijayan Kadamberi (best set designer), Vakkom Maheen (best costume designer), Rajesh Irulam (best sound designer), Santhosh Thiruvallam (best light operator), and Suresh Babu D. (best music operator). The play Vanitha Mess received a special jury mention. “Theatre is the most powerful cultural medium to awaken social consciousness and foster understanding,” said MLA P. Balachandran, addressing the function as chief guest. He added that theatre had always been the foundation of Kerala’s cultural progress. The function was presided over by akademi Chairman Mattannur Sankarankutty. Akademi Secretary Karivellur Murali, Vice-Chairperson Pushpavathi P.R and others spoke. The event concluded with a performance of Mittayitheruvu, the play that won the second best play award.
