6th edition of National Theatre Festival inaugurated at Thiruvananthapuram

Chief Minister of Kerala V.S.Achuthanandan inaugurated the 6th edition of National Theatre Festival, being organised jointly by the Information and Public Relations Department, Kendra Sangeet Natak Akademi, South Zone Cultural Centre and National School of Drama, at Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday evening, While inaugurating the fest Achuthanandan said the notion that artistes are mere tools who just deliver the dialogue prompted to them has to be changed. Actors are the strength of the medium and they should not be underestimated as dolls. Modern techniques should not eclipse the genuine talent of artistes who reflect the social realities and personal sorrows.He also said that globalisation is also playing its role in undermining the importance of theatre , the regional characteristics and diversity.Culture Minister M.A. Baby in his presidential address said that Asian Theatre Festival to be held at Thrissur in December by the Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademi will feature Latin American plays. Such festivals are major cultural interventions and there will be more such efforts, he said. Information Secretary T.K. Manoj Kumar welcomed the gathering. Veteran actor T. Santha Devi was felicitated at the function. Public Relations Director M. Nandakumar proposed a vote of thanks.