Soorya Theatre Festival

About this event

The theatre programme of the Soorya Festival is part of the long-running cultural activities organised by the Soorya Stage and Film Society in Thiruvananthapuram. Founded by Soorya Krishnamoorthy, the organisation presents a wide range of programmes covering theatre, dance, music, cinema, literature, visual arts, lectures and workshops. The Soorya Festival has developed into a major cultural platform in the capital, with programmes involving artists and performers from different parts of India. Theatre occupies an important place within this wider programme through its national drama festival, which has featured productions representing different regions and theatrical traditions. Rather than being confined to a single language or style, the theatre programme provides an opportunity for audiences to encounter varied approaches to stage performance, storytelling, direction, acting and production. Past editions have included drama as one component of an extensive festival calendar that also encompasses classical and contemporary dance, Hindustani and Carnatic music, film, painting, literary sessions and other performing-arts programmes. In 2024, for example, the Soorya Festival’s national drama festival was scheduled for November 14–20, following a series of dance and music programmes during October and early November. This illustrates that the theatre component does not necessarily take place in October, even though October is an important month in the overall Soorya Festival calendar. Performances have been presented at established cultural venues in Thiruvananthapuram, including Tagore Theatre and other venues used for different Soorya programmes. The festival’s wider programme is notable for bringing together established artists as well as emerging performers and for creating opportunities for audiences to engage with diverse forms of Indian performing arts. For theatre enthusiasts, the drama programme offers a setting in which regional theatrical traditions can be encountered within the broader cultural environment of the Soorya movement. Its significance lies not simply in individual productions but in the sustained effort to maintain a public platform for live performance and artistic exchange in Thiruvananthapuram. Programme dates, venues, participating theatre groups and individual productions vary from year to year, so visitors should consult the organisers’ current announcement before planning to attend. The Soorya Festival continues to be an important part of Thiruvananthapuram’s performing-arts calendar, with theatre forming one element of its extensive programme of cultural activities.

🚆 Railway: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station — approximately 4.4 km from the Kanakakkunnu area.

✈️ Airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport — approximately 6.3 km from the Kanakakkunnu area.

🚌 Bus: Kanakakkunnu is accessible by city bus services; East Fort Bus Stand is approximately 3.6 km away. Thampanoor is another major city bus terminal.

🏨 Stay: Hotels and other accommodation are available in Kowdiar, Vellayambalam, Vazhuthacaud, Thycaud and central Thiruvananthapuram. Nearby options include Windsor Rajadhani in Kowdiar and SFS Homebridge I Hotel in Trivandrum in Vellayambalam.

✅ Notes: The Soorya Festival is an annual cultural programme, but its individual theatre/drama dates and venues vary by edition. The 2024 programme placed the national drama festival from November 14–20 rather than in October. The current year's theatre schedule should therefore be confirmed through the festival organisers before publication or travel planning.