Sun Mar 02 15:35:27 UTC 2025: **International Theatre Festival of Kerala Concludes with Sri Lankan Play and Musical Extravaganza**
**Thrissur, Kerala, March 2, 2025** – The 15th International Theatre Festival of Kerala (ITFoK) concluded on Sunday, showcasing a diverse range of theatrical performances and cultural expressions. The closing ceremony, inaugurated by Thrissur District Collector Arjun Pandian, announced that the 16th edition will be held from late January to early February 2026.
This year’s festival featured traditional folk theatre, contemporary experimental productions, and discussions among artists. A highlight was the Sri Lankan play, “Dear Children, Sincerely,” by Ruwanthie de Chickera. This production, exploring Sri Lanka’s post-colonial history from the 1940s to the end of the civil war, received significant praise. De Chickera noted the play’s continued relevance given Sri Lanka’s current challenges and emphasized the strong India-Sri Lanka connection reflected in the narrative.
The closing ceremony also featured a captivating performance by the trance band Shankha Tribe. Their unique blend of chants, sounds, and indigenous instruments, including the didgeridoo, morchang, and djembe, created a mesmerizing musical experience.
The eight-day festival provided a platform for cultural exchange, artistic collaboration, and insightful discussions on contemporary theatre, leaving audiences and participants alike inspired.
First Piper 