Lokadharmi
Lokadharmi is a center for theatre training, research, and performance, established in 1991 by a collective of theatre enthusiasts in Kochi, Kerala, India. Over the years, Lokadharmi has grown into a vibrant community of more than 500 artists from different parts of Kerala who share a passion for theatre
Lokadharmi Nadakaveedu
A theatre known for its plays and related activities on a national and international level
Lokadharmi Celebrated its 27th Annual Day and World Theatre Day 2024 on March 24th
Lokadharmi celebrated its 27th Annual Day and World Theatre Day 2024 on March 24th. The event was inaugurated by Retd Justice J Alexander Thomas and graced by several distinguished guests, including M Thomas Mathew, Vinay Forrt, Anand Ekarshi, Zarin Shihab, Anathapadmanabhan, Viswanatha Pulavar, Samkutty Pattamkary, Anna Beatriz Pestana (Brazil), Shaji Joseph, Shobha Menon, and Dr. KG Poulose.
During the celebration, the book Really Sorry Ithoru Shakespeare Nadakamalla, written by Dr. Chandradasan, Founder and Artistic Director of Lokadharmi, was officially launched. The book was published by M Thomas Mathew and received by theatre director, playwright, and art designer Samkutty Pattamkary. M Thomas Mathew delivered the keynote address, while KG Poulose presented the World Theatre Day message. Samkutty Pattamkary introduced the newly published book.
Latest Publications
On March 27th, 2021, Lokadharmi, on World Theatre Day, announced the launching of Lokadharmi Publishing House which is completely dedicated to publishing of books and research works related to theatre, performance art forms, original plays, aesthetic, and cultural studies in English and in Malayalam, in physical and electronic formats. We have published three books. Myriad Spaces, Indian Theatre and Beyond which is edited by Dr. Chandradasan, and Ramgavatharanathinte Rasasastram, A collection of articles on performance studies written by Chandradasan and Really sorry, this is not a shakespeare play! written by Dr Chandradasan
Events and Updates
Workshop by Barry Stewart Mann
Acting Workshop by Prasanna
Painters & masons by day, how a bunch of theatre actors came up a National Award winner
The Indian Express
Written by Alaka Sahani , Anandu Suresh
The idea of a feature film that gives 11 theatre actors equal space struck Anand Ekarshi while in the shower. Immediately, the writer-director sent a voice message to actor Vinay Fort, explaining the concept. Thus began the journey of Aattam (The Play) — a film set within a close-knit Kerala theatre group that exposes sexism, hypocrisy, and opportunistic behavior among its members. This Malayalam-language movie, designed as a chamber drama, is a scathing tale of how the group reacts when the only woman among them makes a sexual harassment allegation against a popular movie star who is new to the team.
On Friday, August 16, the National Awards jury announced Aattam as the winner in three major categories: Best Feature Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Editing. While Ekarshi directed and wrote the screenplay, Mahesh Bhuvanend edited the film. Both Fort and Ekarshi have been associated with the Kochi-based theatre group Lokadharmi Nadakaveedu for several years.
Lokadharmi Celebrated its 26th Annual Day and World Theatre Day 2023 on March 26th
The event was inaugurated by the Honorable Minister Saji Cheriyan, and K.N Unnikrishnan MLA launched the new website. The event was graced by other dignitaries such as E.P Rajagopalan and Dr. KG Poulose.
Congratulations
Kalamandalam Sarath, also known as Sarath SVS, was awarded the Senior Scholarship for young artists in Theatre by the CCRT (2020-21), Dept of Culture, Govt of India, as the only recipient from Kerala, for two years of advanced training in Acting in Physical Theatre with mentor Chandradasan at Lokadharmi, where he has trained and worked for seven years, acted in several plays and serves as an actor and actor trainer.
THE BOAT BOY
The story of Baji Rout, the youngest martyr in India’s freedom struggle
Direction, Text & Design: Dr Chandra Dasan
Current Plays
Karnnabharam
കര്ണ്ണഭാരം
This play projects the mortal anguish of a man unsure of his identity. Karnna the protagonist is heroic and heartbroken… Read
The Boat Boy
ദി ബോട്ട് ബോയ്
The production of a children’s play based on the life of the youngest martyr in the freedom struggle can instill a sense of involvement for… Read
Portrait / Artifice
ഛായാചിത്രം /മായാചിത്രം
As the name of the play suggests the play is about the portrait of a woman which transcends as a portrait of illusion… Read
SHAAKUNTALAM
THE TALE OF THE HUNT
Direction, Text, Design & Dramaturgy: Dr Chandra Dasan
Shaakuntalam – the Tale of the Hunt
ശാകുന്തളം – ഒരു നായാട്ടു കഥ
This is an eco-feminist adaptation of the Sanskrit classic by Kalidasa The whole process of this production was initiated from the query, why Shakuntalam now? The performance takes a leap from the torturing summer of the present day to the tranquil summer as depicted by Kalidasa. This performance probes the plot with an eco-feministic sensibility and hence the story of the signet ring, the curse of Durvasa and the reunion in Acts 6 and 7 are deemphasized so as to highlight the relationship between Shakuntala and Dushyanta. The hunt itself becomes a metaphor with myriad connotations... Read
The Kaali Drama
കാളി നാടകം
The main narrative structure of the play is based on the ritual of Kali Naadakam, where the Goddess kills the Demon and restores order and… Read
World Renowned Nose
വിശ്വവിഖ്യാതമായ മൂക്ക്
Something very strange happens to a man on his 24th birthday. His nose starts to grow! Day by day, it continues to grow in length until finally,.. Read
Egle & Cleopatra
ആഗ്ലെയും ക്ലിയോപാട്രയും
This, is a one-actor performance inspired by the folk myth of Egle from Lithuania and William Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra… Read
“All the world’s a stage,
and all the men and women merely players”
By: William Shakespeare
