If you are a theatre aficionado, get ready to be a part of a camp that promises to mould your skills. The Kochi-based P.J. Antony Memorial Foundation is all set to host the camp for aspiring talents in theatre. “Those who are familiar with the art form can take part in the venture,” says C.B. Venugopal, secretary of PJ Antony Memorial Foundation. The camp begins on November 21.
“The camp is open to anyone aged above 16, no matter beginners or experienced. A screening committee would check them and select 25 persons,” he adds.
It was the response for the foundation’s earlier venture Theruvarangu that motivated organisers to conduct the camp. Like P.J. Antony, who portrayed the life of labourers and marginalised through his plays, the camp aims to build an alternative platform for theatre lovers to nurture their talent.
“We began Theruvarangu in 2015. It was held in four days at four different venues. There were 48 performances in total. The response to the fest was quite positive and encouraged us to start a camp that talks about the alternative platform,” says Venu.
The camp will be directed by popular theatre director Probir Guha based in Kolkata, who established the concept of Alternate Living Theatre. “They have performed in the Theruvarangu in the past three years. He is a person who believes in minimum budget productions. There won’t be cumbersome props or lights on the stage. Actors use their body as the instrument to depict thoughts. They would turn into a river or cloud as per the play,” explains Venu.
“These days, theatre has become so expensive, making it difficult for amateur artistes to survive. There arises the need for an alternative platform, which aims at the portrayal of subjects that need to be addressed, that too in a simple manner.”
The seven day camp will come to a close on November 27. The fest will be held at the Sahodaran Ayyappan Smarakam in Cherai. Those who are interested can send their bio-data to the email: pjamfkochi @gmail.com or to the address: P.J. Antony Memorial Foundation, ERG Road, Ernakulam North -18.
For more details, contact: 9446535006, 8281490845.
