Minister for Revenue and Housing K. Rajan in conversation with renowned filmmaker Anand Patwardhan at the ITFoK inaugural venue in Thrissur on Sunday. Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Chairman Mattannur Sankarankutty is also seen. | Photo Credit: K.K. NAJEEB For theatre lovers, the season of world drama has officially begun. The sixteenth edition of the International Theatre Festival of Kerala (ITFoK) was inaugurated at the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi in Thrissur on Sunday, marking the start of another immersive celebration of global performance, culture, and artistic dialogue. Minister for Revenue and Housing K. Rajan formally inaugurated both the festival and the renovated K.T. Muhammed Theatre. Speaking at the event, the Minister said ITFoK has evolved into a meaningful space for audiences to encounter the art, life, and cultures of nations across continents. He described the festival as a growing international platform that strengthens cultural exchange and global friendship between India and other countries. Referring to the festival’s theme, ‘Voices in Silence’, the Minister stressed that it should not remain a mere slogan. He said art offers new ways of giving voice to the silenced, creating fresh narratives and interpretations for those who are often unheard. The inaugural function was presided over by Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Chairman Mattannur Sankarankutty. Renowned documentary filmmaker Anand Patwardhan attended as the chief guest, while noted Gujarati theatre and film personality Dakxin Chhara participated as a special guest. Festival artistic director Dr. Abhilash Pillai outlined the vision and key highlights of this year’s edition. Akademi secretary Karivalloor Murali and executive member Saheer Ali also participated. On the Stage Frankenstein Project The opening play of ITFoK was Frankenstein Project, directed by Roman Lamas and based on Mary Shelley’s iconic novel Frankenstein. Staged at the Thoppil Bhasi Black Box Theatre at 3 p.m., the production is presented by the Argentinian theatre group Luciano Mansur Company. Blending puppet theatre with narrative performance, the play reinterprets the novel within an Argentinian cultural framework, drawing on multiple mythic traditions. Romeo and Juliet An experimental adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet by Denmark-based Asterions Hus Theatre was staged at the Actor Murali Theatre at 7 p.m. Known internationally for innovative interpretations of classical works, the company brings a fresh visual and physical language to the timeless love story. The 50-minute English production is directed by Emil Hansen and Peter Kirk, with performances by Peter Kirk and Child Clausen. Malpractice and the Show The Marathi production explores the psychological trauma of a dancer who faces public humiliation, expressed through movement, music, and dramatic storytelling. Directed by acclaimed theatre-maker Atul Pethe, the 70-minute play was staged at the School of Drama at 7 p.m. Sufi Music Evening As part of the festival’s cultural programming, a Sufi music concert titled Mehfil-e-Sama was held at the Akademi courtyard on Sunday night adding a soulful musical dimension to the celebrations. Published – January 25, 2026 08:27 pm IST Share this: Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky Like this:Like Loading... Post navigation Vigil stepped up ahead of R-Day celebration Andhra Pradesh Governor congratulates Padma award winners