KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER
The Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi
An exclusive institution set up by the Government of Kerala for the conservation and promotion of ethnic music, dance, drama and folk arts - The Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi came into existence in 1958. The institution is located at Chembukkavu in Thrissur district, the cultural capital of Kerala.
As part of its objective, the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi since its inception is in the forefront of organizing cultural programs all over Kerala and in other parts of India by joining hands with Central Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, New Delhi, and other cultural organisations. The institution also brings out several interesting publications on subjects like music, dance and drama. It also brings out a bi - monthly journal called
Keli. Organisations value affiliation to this institution of repute and the awards instituted by it that goes out to eminent artistes are considered highly prestigious.
The Sangeetha Nataka Akademi also supports the initiatives of those organisations whose programmes are oriented towards the conservation and sustenance of Kerala's cultural heritage. Grants are given to such institutions. The Akademi also takes special interest in its efforts to promote national integration. For this purpose, the akademi organises periodical inter-state cultural exchange programs. And every year, 125 deserving talents in the field of art are given financial aid and scholarships are given to students of BTA and MTA belonging to various schools of drama in Kerala. And artistes who are in financial problems are provided with monetary assistance by the Akademi.
Among the facilities at the Sangeetha Nataka Akademi are the K.T. Muhammed memorial theatre, meant for holding seminars, art programs, public meetings and conferences; a
Natyagriham used for rehearsals and demonstration classes; an artistes' cottage with facilities for short stay; a well-designed museum on forms and a library equipped with a good collection of books on music, dance and drama. An international theatre festival of Kerala is also organised every year by the Akademi.
Some of the important events organized by the Sangeetha Nataka Akademi include music, dance and drama festivals and also drama competitions. Besides, the Akademi stages or arranges to stage concerts in Hindustani and Carnatic classical and light music,
Sopanam music,
Mohiniyattam,
Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathak, Kathakali, Koothu, Kootiyattam, Kanyarkali and also folk and tribal art forms..
The Sangeetha Nataka Akademi is a centre of repute that would help one probe deeper into the artistic heritage of Kerala. It is one of the few institutions in Kerala that has a key role to play in the future, when it comes to sustaining and nourishing the many ethnic art forms of Kerala.
Contact:
The Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi
Chembukkavu
Thrissur - 680020
Tel: + 91-487-2332548, 2332134
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Thrissur, about 3 km.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 55 km.
