National micro drama festival Thespis sets the right stage for theater lovers

A series of 25 micro drama tales highlighting socially relevant and sensitive issues ranging from the plight of Kashmiri pandits following the exodus to urban loneliness to child abuse were staged at Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts on Sunday. Organised by Vriksh Theatre, the first of its kind national micro drama festival called Thespis depicted nano tales which were strung through human emotions and relationships.

The event was dedicated to veteran actor Om Puri, Kanhaiya Lal and Kevalam Narayanan Panicker.

Scripted and directed by Anju Matoo, Floating Leaves Of Chinaar talked about the agony and suffering of Kashmiri pandits in Delhi, who left their motherland empty handed to protect their lives.

Oru Nimisham, directed by Sivadas Menon, is a story based on the lifestyle of modern couples whose personal and social lives have taken a backseat due to their professional commitments. In a tragic turn of events, the children crave their parents' love and attention who are forever busy, to the extent that they refuse to help their kids even when they face abuse at the hands of strangers.

Speaking about the novel drama festival, Ajith G Maniyan, director, Vriksh said, "Despite being a fresh idea of a micro drama festival, we received good response from theatre groups and individuals. It is the first time in India and only the second time in the whole world that a micro-drama festival is happening. Forty-two scripts were submitted to us."