Libraries become theatres, readers actors: Young book-lovers in Kannur creating new wave

Iritty: Reading theatres have been launched in the district in the model of the ones that were started by the state library council in Kasargod around six months ago. After turning a literary work into a play, the story and the characters would be presented dramatically in an open stage, in front of the audience. Reading theatres have become the latest trend among friends’ groups, libraries and even the neighbourhood communities while book discussion clubs have also gained popularity in libraries and local groups. 

“The dialogues and conversations of the main characters in a literary work are used as they are. Meanwhile, the imaginary or emotional sequences would be conveyed through sound modulations. After a person reads out his/her dialogue, the mic would be handed to the next person. Although this form is similar to radio plays, the most amazing highlight is that the person who gives voice to the character appears before the audience,” says Sreeya Sreekant. 

Reading star
The literary works of all major writers would be performed at the reading theatre. Interestingly, the works are turned into plays by the readers themselves. Anvitha Biju of Payam library, Aradhya Ranjith, T Vandith, Sarangi, P Shivanda, Padiyoor library’s Athul Krishna, Nivedya Prasad, K Aradhya, C Niranjan and V Niramay are the reading stars of various reading theatres. 

Training
A group of maximum six members presents the plays at the reading theatre. Most of the members are kids who are given proper training. One member selected from all the libraries under the Iritty taluk library council has been trained in reading theatre. These trained members will then train their counterparts at their respective local libraries.