Curtain rises on professional Drama Fest

KOCHI: Minister for Rural Development and Registration K C Joseph inaugurated the 24th All-Kerala Professional Drama Fest at POC Hall, here on Sunday.The 11-day festival is being conducted by the Kerala Catholic Bishop’s Council. “At a time when drama is dwindling as an art form, such efforts taken by these associations are to be appreciated. In the past, the drama found many of its stages in churches and temples. But not anymore.” K C Joseph said.The minister said that lack of money to support drama is the major reason why drama is has received a setback. The government will take necessary steps to provide support to such an art form, he said.The inaugural play was ‘Achan Makaloddu Paranjathu’ (What the father told his daughter). Other biblical plays include ‘Kazhchakkarude Sradheku (For the Attention of The Viewers), Marakkan Marannoru Rathri (The night I planned to forget). At least 10 other plays will be staged as part of the programme.Chairman of KCBC Media Commission Fr Joseph Kariyil said that drama is part of the public because all of us are interested to act. It has become a part of our lives.POC director Fr Stephen Aalathara, Prefect of Studies Fr Jolly Vadakken, KCBC secretary Fr Joseph Nicholas and litterateur A K Puthussery spoke.Drama is not dying, but rather the audience is only ready to accept it if they are presented with a good drama, A K Puthussery said.