Play 'Vellachi' brings pain and hopes of marginalised on stage in Kannur

Kuthuparamba:Vellachi, a theatre production that gives voice to the silent pain of the marginalised, has come alive on stage with a powerful portrayal of the harsh realities faced by society’s lower rungs. 

Staged by the Kani Theatre Collective in Kuthuparamba, a group of theatre artists and enthusiasts, the play wrestles with the haunting question of how long one must wait for the dawn of an equal and beautiful world, while also daring to offer an answer.

The roles of Vellachi and Bhairavan, the only two characters in the play, are brought to life by P Umadevi and P U Babu, a real-life couple whose on-stage chemistry is deeply rooted in their shared experiences. Both have been active in theatre since their early association with the Kerala Balajana Sakhyam, where they grew in confidence as performers and organisers of cultural events and serving as office bearers.

 Professionally, Babu worked with the Government ITI, while Umadevi taught Malayalam at Edattu PES School. Despite the demands of their careers, the couple continued to nurture a lifelong passion for theatre, finding joy not only on stage but also in mentoring students and encouraging co-curricular activities at their workplaces.

The new production has been brought to the stage by Aptha Payyannur, in association with the Kurunthil Krishnan Foundation. The play was scripted by Anil Nadakkavu and directed by Saudher Babu, with music composed by Sudhakaran Vadakkiniyil and lighting handled by Chandrabose.

Now retired from their professional lives, P U Babu and P Umadevi continue to keep theatre close to their hearts. And with Vellachi, their story is now extending from one stage to many.