Archive · 18 Nov 2025
New Book Traces Kerala's Theatre History Through Women's Stories
A new book tells the story of Kerala's theatre through the lives of women actors and workers.
It shows how plays in the early 1900s talked about new ideas for women's roles as society was changing.
These plays helped people think about and talk about big changes happening in their community.
A new book, 'For the Love of Art', explores Kerala's theatre history through women's stories.
The book focuses on the first half of the 20th century, a period of social reform and change.
It discusses five plays collectively known as 'Yogakshema Natakam' that dealt with 'new womanhood'.
The plays were influenced by reformation movements within the Namboothiri community.
The book highlights the role of theatre in reflecting and driving social change.
- Who
- Sajitha Madathil, author of 'For the Love of Art'
- What
- Wrote a book about Kerala's theatre history through women's stories
- When
- The book is out now
- Where
- Kerala, India
- Why
- To explore the role of theatre in reflecting and driving social change in Kerala
- Book Title
- 'For the Love of Art: The Lost History of Women in Kerala Theatre'
- Author
- Sajitha Madathil
- Translator
- Jayasree Kalathil
- Publisher
- Penguin India
- Time Period Covered
- First half of the 20th century