Sun Jan 05 21:04:33 IST 2025: ## Kerala School Arts Festival Showcases Socially Conscious Student Plays
**Thiruvananthapuram, January 5, 2025** – The 63rd Kerala State School Arts Festival concluded Sunday, featuring a compelling display of student-created dramas tackling contemporary social issues. Higher secondary students used the stage to address injustices, political corruption, and gender inequality.
Several plays received acclaim for their powerful narratives. One, performed by an all-girl team from Kozhikode, drew inspiration from boxer Vinesh Phogat’s experience, reimagining her as a tribal athlete facing discrimination. The play also highlighted the struggles of students from marginalized communities within sports institutions.
Other notable productions included a politically charged drama from Kollam district depicting the death of sanitation worker N. Joy, and a play based on the 1996 hostage situation involving Ayyankali Pada’s protest against tribal land laws. A unique interpretation of Ravana’s perspective, inspired by A.K. Ramanujan’s work, also captivated audiences.
One play satirized the Malayalam film industry, criticizing the hypocrisy of male superstars who publicly advocate for women’s safety while failing to enact change. Another, titled “Nottam,” used clever staging and props to explore the destructive power of false rumors. Many teams impressed with their creative use of props, transforming objects like police jeeps into multiple set pieces.
The festival showcased the students’ ability to engage with complex issues, with several plays delivering hard-hitting commentary that would likely face censorship restrictions if applied. The overall event demonstrated a powerful use of drama to address pressing social concerns within Kerala.
First Piper 