Trivandrum: The International Theatre Reach-Out Festival opened to a wide audience on February 2 at 6:30 p.m. here at the Karthika Thirunal Theatre. ‘Malavikagnimitram’ directed by veteran dramatist Kavalam Narayana Panicker was the inaugural drama staged on the first day.
 

‘Malavikagnimitram’ was staged with its five acts cut short into two and rendered in Kavalam’s unique style, focusing on the rasa element rather than the triangular love story involving King Agnimitra of Vidisha, his chief queen Dharini, and Malavika, her maid. 20 artists from the group enacted the play including 4 women. They enthralled the audience with graceful dance moves that blended with the rhythmic musical beats.
 

“The artists from the Sopanam theatre group deftly portrayed the epic drama of Kalidasa on stage. Lack of space was the only limitation they had,” said Malavika, one among the audience.