A scene from the UDF street play titled Selfie.
| Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN
While writers and cultural leaders often resonate with the elite, street plays have the power to reach the masses. In a clever move, United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate in Nilambur Assembly byelection Aryadan Shoukath is leveraging this grassroots connection with his campaign’s street play titled Selfie. Mr. Shoukath is countering the Left Democratic Front (LDF)’s advantage of having prominent writers, artistes and cultural leaders rallying behind its candidate M. Swaraj.
Highlighting the alleged shortcomings and failures of the LDF government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, a group of artistes under the banner of the Congress’s Samskara Sahiti have joined the UDF campaign. Selfie is being staged across the constituency ahead of Mr. Shoukath’s electioneering.
The street play, crafted by the Palakkad district committee of Samskara Sahiti, pulls no punches in exposing the government’s alleged failures and ministerial infighting.
“The street play’s deft use of satire allows it to convey sharp and unpleasant messages that linger with the audience often without them even realising it. By using comedy, the play creates a lasting impression that resonates deeply with viewers,” said playwright Boban Mattumantha.
A scene from the UDF street play titled Selfie.
| Photo Credit:
SAKEER HUSSAIN
It subjects the government claims to public scrutiny and ridicule.
Issues highlighted
The play’s central figure is Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, portrayed as claiming credit for successes while evading responsibility for failures. It highlights pressing issues impacting people’s lives, such as the recent collapse of National Highway 66 at Kooriyad in Malappuram, deplorable road conditions, healthcare crisis, inactive Excise department, administrative chaos, soaring prices, higher electricity bills, and the plight of neglected ASHA workers.
UDF chairman and Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan inaugurated the play on Wednesday. Samskara Sahiti State president C.R. Mahesh, MLA, working president M.V. Pradeep Kumar, Mathew Kuzhalnadan, MLA, P.C. Vishnunath, MLA, and M. Liju spoke.
The play, directed by C.K. Haridas, features a talented cast, including Gireesh Nochully, Poovakkode Sajeevan, Rafeek Karalmanna and V.P. Deepti. Mr. Mattumantha scripted the play. Sajit Shankar composed background music.
Published – June 12, 2025 08:53 pm IST
