Sudhakaran hails from verdant, hilly Vithura, far away from the city. That might explain his passion for the environment and why he links it with his interest in theatre to highlight environmental issues.
The theatre activist and environmentalist will meet seamlessly on stage today when Sudharakan moves centrestage to stage his solo play Uthupante Kunninnu Mukalil.
Based on a short story by Ambikasuthan Mangad, which appeared in a Malayalam weekly, the play has been adapted for the stage by theatre director and playwright K. Raghu, an active member of a rural drama troupe, Nataka Yogam.
“We were all a part of Nataka Yogam for more than two decades and learnt the ropes of theatre from the seniors there. Now, we are part of a troupe called Suhurthu, again based in Vithura,” says Sudharakan.
Uthupante Kunninnu Mukalil, which was premiered in Vithura in March, is being staged in the city for the first time under the auspices of Suhurthu Nataka Kalari. “It narrates the story of a man who starts building a hill and it costs him dear when his family and society fail to see the significance of his work. Finally, even when he is the last man standing, he refuses to budge from his mission,” says Sudharakaran.
As he rightly points out, when quarrying and unbridled constructions are destroying the hills and the environment, this play assumes great relevance. A few years ago, Sudharkaran had staged a solo mime show, Mallanum Malayum, again based on the environment. “Inspired by the story of an arrogant Ravana lifting Mount Kailas, we showed how our surroundings are shaken and distubed by the arrogance of man and how Nature reacts when things get out of hand,” says Sudhakaran.
The troupe is active in children’s theatre in Vithura and had produced a children’s Mahabharatha involving more than 300 children. Another stage production with children delved into the need for safe agriculture methods and the adverse effects of fast food.
“My job is food, while theatre is my lifeline,” says Sudhakaran.
Uthupante Kunninnu Mukalil will be staged at Lenin Balawadi on July 20, 21 and 22. Time: 6.30 pm. Contact: 9447128586