Myths, popular literature, and contemporary events often become the raw material for theatre groups to structure and build their plays around. But for the Valiyathura Fisherwomen Collective, a theatre group of women fish workers, the happenings in their own lives have become the subject of their street play Ith Engala Kadalu, the opening play of the three-day National Women’s Theatre Festival, organised by the Nireeksha Women’s Theatre, which began in the capital on Wednesday.
It all began when 53-year old Jermi Roy, hailing from a family of fish workers in Valiyathura, started speaking to the women in the locality, with an intention to stage a play for the World Fisheries Day celebrations on November 21 this year. Ms. Roy, who has the experience of performing with youth groups and other organisations, was successful in roping in quite a few of them to be a part of the play, although some of them had to drop out due to practical issues.
