MGU’s Theatre Legacy Continues: Secures Entry to ITFoK

 

The younger generation is adding new laurels to the illustrious theatrical legacy of Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU). Aaramathe Viral (The Sixth Finger), a play by MGU’s School of Letters, has earned a prestigious spot at the International Theatre Festival of Kerala (ITFoK), organised by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi and set to take place next month in Thrissur. Out of 351 plays from across India and abroad considered for the festival, only 15 were selected, including Aaramathe Viral. Significantly, just three Malayalam plays have been chosen for this celebrated event.
 
Based on Prince Ayman’s story Charumanam, Aaramathe Viral is acclaimed for its unique interpretation. This one-hour play has been both written and directed by Dr. Aju K. Narayanan, a faculty member of the School of Letters. The narrative revolves around the journey of its central characters, Pillachan and Kunjappi, as they travel on a country boat, along with the events connected to their voyage. Dr. Aju K. Narayanan remarked that the play is designed to immerse the audience, taking them along with the characters on their journey.
 
Siddharth Siva, a filmmaker and actor who recently earned his PhD from the School of Letters, portrays Pillachan, while Rakesh Palissery, a current research scholar, plays Kunjappi. The cast also features seven other students and alumni from the department.
 
The School of Letters commemorates its first director, the renowned theatre personality G. Sankara Pillai, on his death anniversary, January 1st, each year by staging a new play. Aaramathe Viral made its debut during the 2024 commemoration and has since been performed at multiple venues. Dr. Saji Mathew, Director of the School of Letters, expressed immense pride, stating that the selection of Aaramathe Viral for ITFoK is a significant recognition for both the department and Mahatma Gandhi University.