Neythe – The Art of Weaving a being performed by Mamangam Dance Company, Ernakulam, led by actor Rima Kallingal at ITFoK.
| Photo Credit: K.K.NAJEEB

The seventh day of the ITFoK unfolded with a variety of theatre performances and discussions. Neythe, an onstage recreation of art of traditional weavers, performed at K.T. Mohammed Regional Theatre on Saturday as part of International Theatre Festival of Kerala captivated the audience.

Created by Mamangam Dance Company, Neythe – The Art of Weaving, aimed at celebrating the unknown nuances and details that are often overlooked. It takes people to the unacknowledged labour that keeps our lives aesthetic. Inspired by the rhythmic movements of weavers, the performance, led by dancer and actor Rima Kallingal, crafted a distinct visual experience. The choreography and body movements recreated the journey of a thread — from its raw form to becoming fabric —unveiling the intricacies of this heritage craft.

Beyond its artistic portrayal of weaving, the performance served as a metaphor for human life and relationships, shedding light on the unseen labour of artisans. Weaving is not just a profession but an art form and a cultural expression. Much like weaving a fine piece of fabric, life gains meaning when different layers come together in harmony — this was the essence conveyed through Neythe.

Without dialogue, the story unfolded through body language and music. The dancers’ movements reflected the rhythm and repetitive nature of weaving, immersing the audience in this creative world. Blending tradition with modernity, Neythe left spectators with a deeply thought-provoking and visually enriching experience.

The ‘Meet the Artist’ session held at Ramanilayam Favous, featured the directors and actors of the plays Circle Relations and Chai Gharam. The discussions delved into the creative process, ideas, and inspirations behind these plays, emphasising their social relevance.

Circle Relations, directed by Hungarian filmmaker Zsofia Berczi, uses theatre as a visual medium to explain the philosophies of astrology. The play is based on the idea that the movement of the soul is interconnected with the motion of celestial bodies. Mr. Berczi explained that astrology serves as a metaphor for the soul and that its forward motion influences human life.

Chai Gharam, directed by Sahidul Haque, focuses on the 200-year history of Assam’s tea plantations and the struggles of its workers. Performed in Assamese and Baganiya, the play criticises how advertisements glorify the beauty of tea estates while concealing their dark realities. It portrays the plight of workers earning as little as ₹135 per day, highlighting their continued exclusion from social progress. Belonging to various ethnic groups, tea plantation workers in Assam remain an isolated community.

Hungarian theatre director Zsófia Berczi and multilingual director Arpita Dhagat participated in a discussion about ‘Women Theatre Makers & The Politics of Resistance.’ Theatre person Raja Rajeshwari moderated the session.

The musical night Sharath Gaana Raatri, led by Malayalam music composer and singer Sharath, turned out to be an unforgettable experience for the audience. The event, held on the stage in front of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, was a celebration of Sharath’s extraordinary journey in the world of music. Adding to the magic, Prakash Ulleri and his ensemble joined with their instrumental brilliance. From classical ragas to modern music, the concert spanned a wide range of musical expressions, reflecting his deep-rooted love for melody.

The eight-day-cultural celebration will conclude on Sunday. Minister for Culture Saji Cherian will attend the valedictory.