By day, Sanjai Parameswaran is a busy instrument technician at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, but once he’s off the clock, his true passion lies in preserving the vibrant arts, language, and traditions of Kerala in Australia.
In 2023, Parameswaran and a group of like-minded Malayalees founded Samatha Australia, a cultural organisation whose name means “together for equality, together for peace.” What began as a gathering of progressive thinkers has now blossomed into a vibrant movement, uniting Kerala’s diaspora through arts, literature, and community service.
Now, they’re preparing for their most ambitious project yet: the People’s Theatre Fest (Janakeeya Nadakotsavam) 2025 on June 7.
“The event will showcase three powerful Malayalam plays, including two solos by celebrated artistes from Kerala,” says Parameswaran.
Parameswaran himself takes the stage in the opening play, Pulijanmam—a bold reimagining of Kavalam Narayana Panicker’s experimental work. “The story grips you,” he explains. “A village is cursed—crops fail, time stands still. Their only hope? A volunteer must hunt a tiger and bring its remains to cleanse the land. But the gods themselves oppose this quest.”
Directed by Girish Avanoor and written by M. Prabhakaran, the production merges the traditional Theyyam dance, martial arts, and live drumming, with over 20 performers who have been rehearsing since February.
“It’s a live performance—there’s no room for mistakes,” says Parameswaran, adding, “We are using instruments like the chenda (drum), ilathaalam (cymbals), and thappu (percussion).”
Adding to the festival’s prestige, two luminaries of the Malayalam theatre and film industry are making a special journey from Kerala to deliver extraordinary solo performances. These celebrated artists bring with them not only their craft but also decades of artistic legacy that have shaped Kerala’s performing arts scene.
So, in the second play, award-winning actor Beena R. Chandran takes the stage with Otanjaavalmaram (The Lone Jamun Tree), a compelling solo performance that transforms the stage into a universe of emotions.
Manjulan K. V.—a celebrated actor of stage, film, and television—brings to life the third play, Koonan, a gripping theatrical masterpiece written by renowned playwright Jayaprakash Kuloor. Koonan has mesmerised audiences in over 2,000 shows across India and abroad. Now, it’s Melbourne’s turn to witness its magic.
Importantly, the People’s Theatre Fest is envisioned as a vibrant cultural carnival.
Alongside these compelling plays, attendees can enjoy food stalls, art exhibitions, book displays, and reading sessions (Vāyanam) curated from Parameswaran’s library, Vipanchika, which he founded in 2016. There’s also a dedicated kids’ corner filled with interactive activities.
“We want to attract people with different interests—not just drama lovers,” says Parameswaran. He believes the carnival is about celebrating “our identity” while inviting others to experience Kerala’s artistic richness.
Although Samatha Australia has produced two plays before, this is its biggest project. A platform for unity and tradition, the organisation’s logo— inspired by Indigenous Australian symbolism—features people gathered around a wooden stump, a dove for peace, and a flower representing growth.
“We wanted a space where Malayalees could celebrate their roots while embracing Australia’s diversity,” says Parameswaran. “Our mission is to promote equality, secularism, and women’s leadership while keeping our culture alive.”
From Onam and Vishu celebrations to Eid and Christmas gatherings, Samatha fosters connections through festivals. But the group’s work goes beyond festivities—they organise park clean-ups, food drives, and skill-sharing workshops, strengthening ties within the broader Australian community.
Samatha Australia’s journey is just beginning.
For those eager to witness Kerala’s theatrical brilliance, Samatha Australia’s People’s Theatre Fest 2025 promises an unforgettable immersion into art, tradition, and unity.
- For details & tickets, click here
- IHNA People’s Theatre Fest
- Box Hill Town Hall, Melbourne
- 7 June 2025
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