Revenue and Housing Minister K. Rajan in conversation with renowned filmmaker Anand Patwardhan at the inaugural ITFoK venue in Thrissur on Sunday. Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi chairman Mattannur Sankarankutty is also seen. | Photo credit: KK NAJEEB
For theater lovers, the world drama season has officially begun. The 16th edition of the International Theater Festival of Kerala (ITFoK) was inaugurated at the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi in Thrissur on Sunday, marking the beginning of another immersive celebration of global performance, culture and artistic dialogue.
Revenue and Housing Minister K. Rajan inaugurated the festival as well as the renovated KT Muhammed Theatre. Speaking at the event, the Minister said that ITFoK has evolved into a meaningful space for audiences to experience the art, life and cultures of nations across continents. He described the festival as a growing international platform that enhances cultural exchange and global friendship between India and other countries.
Referring to the theme of the festival “Voices in Silence”, the minister emphasized that it should not remain a mere slogan. He said art offers new ways to give voice to the silenced, creating new stories and interpretations for those who are often unheard.
Keerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi chairman Matannur Sankararankutty terminated the inugual tenure. Renowned documentary filmmaker Anand Patwarden attended as the chief guest, while well-known Gujarati theater and film personality Dakxin Chhara attended as the special guy. Artistic director of the festival Dr. Abhilash pillai outlined the vision and key points for this year’s edition. Academy Secretary Karivallor Murli and Executive Member Saheer Ali were also present.
On stage
Project Frankenstein
ITFoK’s opening game was Frankenstein Project, directed by Roman Lamas and based on Mary Shelley’s iconic novel Frankenstein. The production at the Thoppil Bhasi Black Box Theater at 3 pm is presented by the Argentine theater group Luciano Mansur Company. Combining puppet theater with narrative performance, the play reinterprets the novel within an Argentine cultural framework and draws on many mythic traditions.
Romeo and Juliet
Denmark’s Asterions Hus’ experimental adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet was presented at 19:00 at the Actor Murali Theater, internationally renowned for innovative interpretations of classic works, bringing a fresh visual and physical language to the timeless love story. The 50-minute English production is directed by Emil Hansen and Peter Kirk, with performances by Peter Kirk and Child Clausen.
Bad practices and shows
The Marathi production explores the psychological trauma of a dancer who faces public humiliation, expressed through movement, music and dramatic narrative. The 70-minute play, directed by renowned theater artist Atul Pethe, was performed at 7:00 PM at the Theater School.
Sufi music evening
As part of the festival’s cultural programming, a Sufi music concert titled Mehfil-e-Sama was held in the Akademi courtyard on Sunday evening, adding a soulful musical dimension to the celebrations.
Published – 25 Jan 2026 20:27 IST
