International Theatre Festival of Kerala, India
PROJECT ITFOK
14th
Edition
9 to 16
Feb 2024
Kerala
India
47
Events
3000+
Attendees
7897
Tickets (online)
8
Countries
6
Venues
"Beyond the Stage” - A Case Study on the 14th International Theatre Festival of Kerala
Overview
- The 14th International Theatre Festival of Kerala (ITFoK) served as a platform for showcasing diverse theatrical performances from both national and international spheres.
- The unique festival for plays organized by the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi under the Department of Culture was held in Thrissur from February 9th – February 14th, 2024.
- It showcased 23 plays including eight performances by international theatre groups. The plays were staged at six venues – Thoppil Bhasi Black Box, K T Mohammed Theatre (Regional Theatre), Actor Murali Theatre, Town Hall, School of Drama Campus, and Palace Ground.
Key Highlights
- The 14th International Theatre Festival of Kerala (ITFoK) celebrated the resilience of the human spirit through a kaleidoscope of theatrical expressions from around the globe. Against the backdrop of uncertainty and strife, the festival’s theme, “Ensemble, peace and confidence,” and its rallying cry, “Sing we must, in these gloomy times too,” echoed a call for unity and hope.
- Cultural Minister Saji Cherian inaugurated the festival in the presence of Akademi chairman Mattannur Sankaran Kutty and secretary Karivallur Murali. South Indian actor and social activist Rohini was the chief guest.
- Festival director B. Ananthakrishnan presented the concept and vision of the festival. The festival paid tribute to Bertolt Brecht, master of the Epic Theatre Movement, by staging the play Bechara BB, a memoir of Brecht’s life with emphasis on music and visuals.
- Apart from the plays, there were panel discussions, interactive sessions with national and international artists, musical concerts, and theatre workshops.
- A theatre workshop for women on the theme ‘Women and Theatre’ was organized where renowned actors Anuradha Kapoor, Sanchita Mukherjee, Neelam Mansingh, M.K. Raina, and Sajitha Mathil conducted the workshop.
The plays depicted the theme in its true sense reflecting on their resonance amidst contemporary challenges. Unlike the previous year, the organizers chose to have a festival director instead of a curatorial team. The selection process was a tedious one amidst a plethora of submissions and the carefully curated plays crafted excellence through their acts.
Key Success Factors
- The highlight of the festival was its eclectic lineup of national and international productions showcasing their masterpieces.
- The venue and logistics arrangements ensured seamless experiences for artists and audiences alike.
- The International Theatre Festival of Kerala was proof of one of the biggest successful implementations of blockchain ticketing events of its kind in the world. With over 3000 attendees from all over the world and over 7897 tickets sold online, this truly stands as a testimony to the merits of implementing a good blockchain ticketing system.
Conclusion
The 14th International Theatre Festival of Kerala (ITFoK) wasn’t just an event; It was a rendezvous with the evolution of global theatre. The attendees were captivated into the world of theatrical expression which truly proved to be an exhilarating experience. In conclusion, The 14th International Theatre Festival of Kerala was a vibrant tapestry of artistic expression and cultural dialogue, resonating with themes of resilience, solidarity, and hope in an ever-changing world.
