Heritage zone gets a folklore theatre.

Express News Service
First Published : 13 Jun 2009 11:33:00 PM IST
Last Updated : 13 Jun 2009 10:33:23 AM IST

KOCHI: The heritage zone has added a new feather to its cap - a theatre of Kerala folklore. The theatre at Fort Kochi, an initiative of the Department of Tourism, will be opened by Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan on Saturday.

Geethopadesam kathakali by artists from Kalamandalam will be the first programme staged at the theatre.

It is part of the Tourism Departments efforts to revive folk art forms. There will be programmes every day at 6 pm. Kathakali, mohiniyattam, kalaripayattu, ottamthullal, chakyarkoothu and nangyarkooth will be performed here.

“We have the assistance of Kalamandalam for conducting programmes. Other cultural centres will be given the opportunity to perform here. Videos on art forms of Kerala will be exhibited at the theatre.

Booking facility is available round the clock,’’ said District Collector M Beena.

The air-conditioned theatre has a seating capacity of 70 and a digital sound system. The theatre building is designed on the model of a traditional Kerala style inner courtyard where family members and relatives gather to watch kathakali.

Padippura, charupadi, half-wall and wooden walls have been replicated. The theatre, designed by Jabin L Zakkariyas, was constructed at a cost of Rs 23 lakh.