‘Sound’ theatre from AIR for a week

Radio drama is not theatre without the spectacle. For listeners of the numerous dramatic pieces of theatre on the All India Radio (AIR), it triggers a whole new world of imaginative theatre whose visual possibilities are immense. In a unique attempt, an amateur theatre group near Perumbavoor, Suvarna Theatres based at Valayanchirangara, is organising a radio drama fest titled Kathoram. “Radio drama always has its share of keen listeners,” Benoy Peter, social activist and secretary of the theatre group, seeks to dispel doubts whether radio plays are relevant any more. The theatre fest showcases seven plays across eight venues — including local arts and sports clubs, libraries, residences, and a school — where listeners lend their ears to successful theatre sound tracks for which actors such as Thilakan, NF Varghese and Siddique rendered their voice. “These are plays either written or directed by K.V. Sarath Chandran, whose contribution in this field is phenomenal. AIR Kochi Station director in-charge Balakrishnan Koyyal inaugurated the fest on August 6 and a crowd of about 80 people listened to ‘Adayalangal’ that day. Yesterday, there were 35 people. It’s about 40 today avidly listening to ‘Sathru’ in the dark. The experience it offers is more intense than that of a regular play, as it lets the listener conjure up the scenes on his mindscape. As such, radio plays have powerfully explored contemporary issues of significance,” says Mr. Peter.

On August 11, ‘Vithakkunnavante Upama’, a radio drama for which actor Siddique lent his voice would be played at the Higher Secondary School at Valayanchirangara which has a student strength of nearly 1,500. “Mr. Siddique made it memorable by lending voice to some six characters in that play, which campaigns against drug abuse. It’s a powerful medium to disseminate social messages. The actor will also be present at the school on the occasion.” On August 13, at the closure of the fest, an analysis of the plays would be held. Mr. Sarath Chandran will be a discussant.